UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH
LIBRARY
COLLECTIONS OF
THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR 1924
THE JOHN WATTS DhPEYSTER
PUBLICATION FUND SERIES
LVII
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS
ALEXANDER J. WALL
R. HORACE GALLATIN
FRANK WIENER
)V<^w /or- K W\B iroT \ ZSl I ^a^ ely.
([^^ii^cdrio-A^.
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE
AND OF THE
FIRST COMMISSION FOR DETECTING
AND DEFEATING CONSPIRACIES
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
DECEMBER 11, 1776— SEPTEMBER 23, 1778
WITH COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS
TO WHICH IS ADDED
MINUTES OF THE
COUNCIL OF APPOINTMENT
STATE OF NEW YORK
APRIL 2, 1778— MAY 3, 1779
VOLUME I
NEW YORK
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY
MDCCCCXXIV
F \\Q>
coy, }
c
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY,
For Three Years ending 1926.
\
PRESIDENT,
JOHN ABEEL WEEKES.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,
WALTER LISPENARD SUYDAM.
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,
J. ARCHIBALD MURRAY.
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT,
ARTHUR H. HASTEN.
FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT,
FRANCIS ROBERT SCHELL.
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
ARCHER MILTON HUNTINGTON.
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
THOMAS T. SHERMAN.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
WILLIAM RHINELANDER STEWART.
TREASURER,
R. HORACE GALLATIN.
LIBRARIAN,
ALEXANDER J. WALL.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
FIRST CLASS FOR ONE YEAR, ENDING 1925.
SAMUEL V. HOFFIMAN, FRANK B. PORTER
JAMES B. WILBUR
SECOND CLASS — FOR TWO YEARS, ENDING 1926.
RICHARD H. GREENE, HIRAM SMITH
ARCHER M. HUNTINGTON
THIRD CLASS FOR THREE YEARS, ENDING 1927.
B. W. B. BROWN. JOHN E. STILLWELL,
FRANK WIENER
FOURTH CLASS FOR FOUR YEARS, ENDING 1928.
THOMAS T. SHERMAN, W. GEDNEY BEATTY
WILLIAM DENNISTOUN MURPHY
SAMUEL V. HOFFIVIAN, Chairman.
ALEXANDER J. WALL, Secretary.
[The President, Vice-Presidents, Recording Secretary,
Treasurer, and Librarian are members of the Executive
Committee.]
1?,
^.f.
PREFACE
The two volumes now issued form the Collections of
the New York Historical Society for the years 1924 and
1925, and are composed of the "Minutes of the Com-
mittee and of the First Commission for Detecting and
Defeating Conspiracies" in the State of New York, from
December 11, 1776 through September 23, 1778, the
original of which is in the possession of the Society. To
this is added, separately paged and indexed, the "Minutes
of the Council of Appointment" in the State of New York,
April 2, 1778 through May 3, 1779, a small original vol-
ume recently acquired by the Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt
by whose courtesy we print it. Both manuscripts, to-
gether with collateral material, were prepared for the
press, edited and indexed by Miss Dorothy C. Barck of
the Library Staff.
Alexander J. Wall,
Lihranan.
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE
AND OF THE
FIRST COMMISSION FOR DETECTING
AND DEFEATING CONSPIRACIES
INTRODUCTION
This volume adds to the printed sources for the history
of New York, of the American Revolution and of Loyal-
ism a little known record of great importance: the
minutes of two New York boards "for enquiring into,
detecting and defeating all conspiracies" during the
critical year 1777. Dr. Alexander C. Flick's excellent
and pertinent study of Loyalism in New York during
the American Revolution ^ makes any general discussion
of the subject superfluous here, but as he did not, un-
fortunately, have access to these minutes, a more specific
and accurate summary of the history of the two boards
seems desirable.
When the first of these boards, the committee for
detecting conspiracies, was created on September 21,
1776, there existed an organization for checking Tory
hostilities in New York, with the Provincial Congress at
the head, and a wide spreading foundation of county
and district committees with their many functions in
addition to this work. The only minutes of New York
county committees in existence are those of Tryon and
Albany, both of which are now available in print, ^ but
the Journals of the Provincial Congress afford glimpses
of local activities as well as a more complete picture of
its own. The first important agency between the Con-
gress and the local boards, was a committee which the
Provincial Congress appointed to execute its resolutions
of June 5, 1776. This long detailed resolution named
one hundred inhabitants of New York City and its
immediate vicinity who were suspected of being inimical
* Columbia University Studies in History, XIV, 1, (N. Y, 1901).
' Minutes of the Albany Committee of Correspondence, 1775-1778,
edited by Dr. James Sullivan, State Historian, Albany, 1923.
The Minute Book of the Committee of Safety of Tryon County,
N. Y., 1905.
xii INTRODUCTION
to the revolutionary cause. The committee was em-
powered to summon and examine these men, who, if
judged innocent of harming the colonies, were to be dis-
charged with a certificate of acquittal, or, if guilty, were
to be released on bail, imprisoned, or deported to a
neighboring state. This committee was continued by
the Provincial Convention and, upon the suggestion of
General Washington, given additional powers with re-
spect to removing prisoners from New York City to
places farther from the British encampment on Staten
Island. The minutes of the committee end the middle
of July; on August 7 it was dissolved.^ Its successor was
not appointed until six weeks later, when circumstances
again demanded the undivided attention of a small group
of men acting more speedily and secretly than the Con-
vention itself could.
The British occupation of New York City shifted the
seat of provisional government and the centre of Loyal-
ist activity from the metropolis to the Hudson Highlands.
The proximity of the British encouraged a more open
expression of loyalty to the crown and made it easy for
volunteers from the Hudson valley to sUp through
Westchester County and join the royal army on Long
Island or Manhattan. Besides the enemy in the city
and the enemy on the northern and western frontiers,
the leaders of the revolution in New York feared an
uprising of the Loyalists in their midst at a moment most
favorable to the British cause.* In this situation, the
VowmaZs, N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 456-560; Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 338-340;
Force, Amer. Arch., 4th ser., VI, 1706.
The original minutes, June 15 to July 12, 1776, were destroyed in the
Capitol fire at Albany in 1911. There is a complete copy in the library
of the N. Y. Historical Society made by Berthold Femow. A com-
parison with this copy shows that all the proceedings, except an un-
important entry for July 12, are printed in the Calendar of Revolu-
tionary MSS., I, 340-372, and in the American Archives, 4th ser., VI,
1153-1183. In both printed texts there are several misleading mistakes
in dates, and the interpolation of the examinations held by the secret
sub-committee, appointed June 17, makes Femow's copy a useful guide
for an exact study of the committee of June 5.
*Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 606; Force, 5th ser., II, 991, III, 238;
Writings of Washington, W. C. Ford, ed., IV, 463; Flick, Loyalism in
N. Y., 105-109.
INTRODUCTION xiii
Convention felt "reduced by the great laws of self-
preservation . . . to provide that no means in their power
be left unessayed to defeat the barbarous machinations
of their domestic, as well as external enemies," and to
that end, on September 19, 1776, appointed a committee
"to devise ways and means for preventing the dangers
which may arise from the disaffected in this State." A
report was made the same day and in connection with
the ensuing debate, the former resolutions concerning
county committees and the committee of June 5 were
read, by request from the floor.^ On September 21, 1776,
the report was accepted, and the Convention passed a
resolution creating a standing committee "for the express
purpose of enquiring into, detecting and defeating all
conspiracies which may be formed in this State, against
the liberties of America."
The committee was empowered "to send for persons
and papers; to call out such detachments of the militia,
or troops in the different counties as they may, from
time to time, deem necessary for suppressing insurrec-
tions ; to apprehend, secure or remove such persons whom
they shall judge dangerous to the safety of the State;
to make drafts on the treasury for a sum not exceeding
five hundred pounds; that they be empowered to en-
join secrecy upon their own members, and the persons
employed by the committee, whenever they shall judge
the same necessary; and in general to do every act and
thing whatsoever which may be necessary to enable them
to execute the trust hereby reposed in them." A com-
pany of thirty men, which the Convention had ordered
Captain Samuel Dehvan to raise in Westchester County
was placed under the committee's direction, and in
addition the committee was empowered to raise, officer
and pay two hundred and twenty men. The Convention
further ordered "that the several committees in this
State, do, from time to time, transmit to the above
mentioned committee all such information as they shall
receive, relating to any machinations and conspiracies
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 633-637.
xiv INTRODUCTION
against this State, and that copies of these resolutions
be immediately sent by express to the chairmen of the
county committees and to all the brigadier-generals or
commanding officers of the militia in this State, that they
may govern themselves accordingly." ^ On September
27, a resolution and order of the Committee of Safety
added to these powers of the committee for conspiracies
the authority ''to place guards at such place or places as
they may think proper, for apprehending deserters from
the American army." "^
Six members of the Convention were elected to the
committee at once: William Duer, Charles DeWitt,
Leonard Gansevoort, John Jay, Zephaniah Piatt and
Nathaniel Sackett. On October 15, a seventh member,
Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt was added by resolution.
Lewis Morris and John Ten Broeck also acted on the
committee, but the record of their appointment has not
been found. In January, 1777, four additional members
were appointed at intervals to secure an attendance of
the necessary quorum of three.^
The committee organized and began its work on
September 28. From the beginning its members were
constantly active in organizing a secret service, under
the immediate supervision of Nathaniel Sackett, in
directing the arrest of persons suspected of aiding or
planning to aid the British, in holding daily sessions to
examine their prisoners, and in arranging for their con-
finement at Fishkill, release on parole, or deportation
to neighboring states. On February 11, 1777, imme-
diately after deciding to remove to Kingston, the Con-
vention dissolved the committee for detecting con-
spiracies so that its members might devote themselves
entirely to legislative work and to the discussion of
the state constitution. In place of the committee, a
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 638; Force, 5th ser, II, 714-715, III,
466-467. These resolutions were printed on broadsides, one of which
is in the hbrary of the N. Y. Historical Society, and is reproduced in
the Society's Quarterly Bulletin, vol. VI, no. 4, p. 112. (Jan. 1923)
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 648; Force, 5th ser., II, 724.
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 639, 676, 774, 784, 794.
INTRODUCTION XV
commission for detecting conspiracies was appointed,
consisting of Egbert Benson, Jacobus Swartwout and
Melancton Smith,^ men who had had experience with
Loyalists, and were familiar with the methods and
policies of the committee, which they continued. Ac-
cording to the resolution of the Convention, the com-
mittee did not have to dissolve until February 27, but
it did so on the fifteenth, and urged the commissioners
to take up their work at once, although the committee
had not drawn up the instructions for its successor which
the Convention had requested it to compile. The three
commissioners held a short preliminary meeting on
February 15, and the following Monday the detection of
conspiracies continued as before, with Egbert Benson
acting as chairman of the new board. The commission
met almost daily, from then until the middle of August,
first at Fishkill, then at Poughkeepsie and later at various
places in what is now Columbia County and the northern
part of Dutchess County. Peter Cantine, Jr. and Joseph
Strang were appointed commissioners on March 7, 1777,
after the Convention had added to the work of the
commission the task of recalling all the deported
Loyalists and tendering them an oath of allegiance to
the Continental cause. On leaving Poughkeepsie, Aug-
ust 9, the commissioners appointed as assistants to act
for them during their absence John and Paul Schenk,
Andrew Billings and Peter Tappen. This appointment
was later confirmed by the Council of Safety.^*'
The commission for detecting conspiracies ended on
September 10, 1777, when the Convention which had
appointed it ceased to exist, and the Senate and Assembly
of the State of New York convened at Kingston. The
minutes of that date record their last decision in a new
case. During the remainder of the month and the first
days of October, they were winding up their affairs by
paying bills, releasing some prisoners on bond or parole,
'Joum. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 803. The Convention replaced other
committees by commissions. Ibid., I, 811, 835.
^"Ibid., I, 827, 1050.
xvi INTRODUCTION
and discharging those who took the oath of allegiance.
Two weeks after the ending of the commission, Egbert
Benson, who had been elected to the Assembly, took the
first step toward creating its successor. On the twenty-
fourth of September, 1777, by virtue of permission re-
ceived the day before, he introduced a bill "for appointing
Commissioners for Conspiracies etc. and declaring their
powers." This bill was passed by the Assembly, amended
and passed by the Senate, and referred back to the lower
house on October 6. On the following day the news
reached Kingston that the British had captured Fort
Montgomery and won the Highlands.^^ Upon the con-
sequent scattering of their members on various urgent
duties, the two houses met in Convention, on October 7,
1777, and immediately revived the commission for de-
tecting conspiracies, vesting it "with all and singular the
powers and authorities which . . . the said commission-
ers have heretofore used and exercised." ^^
The following day, October 8, the commission was
made responsible for the removal of prisoners from
Kingston, out of the enemy's path, to Connecticut.^*
Peter Cantine was the commissioner who accompanied
the guards and prisoners to Hartford. On his return in
November, he made a report and entered it in the min-
utes. No subsequent activities of the commissioners for
conspiracies are recorded in their own minutes, and there
are few references to them elsewhere, although their
authority was still acknowledged, and they were called
upon to deal with prisoners. ^^ Their continued official
existence was recognized for the last time on January 14,
1778, when the New York Senate and Assembly, sitting
together in Convention, authorized the five commis-
sioners "to discharge the parols of the several persons
" Votes and Proceedings of the Senate of the State of New York,
First Session, (Fishkill, 1777) pp. 18, 23-26; Votes and Proceedings of
the Assembly, (Kingston, 1777) pp. 17-20, 28.
"Journ. N. Y. Prou. Cong., I, 1061.
''Ibid.,!, 1064, 1067; II, 487.
'* Ibid., I, 1104, 1114, 1106, 1116. For the assistant commissioners, see
Ibid., I, 1093, 1097; II. 354. 355.
INTRODUCTION XVU
confined on parol by order of the late Council of
Safety."!^
Two weeks later, on January 28, when the state legis-
lature was again sitting in two separate houses, the
Assembly began to consider the amended bill "for ap-
pointing commissioners for detecting and defeating con-
spiracies" which the Senate had referred back to it on
October sixth of the previous year.^*' This bill became
a law on February 5, 1778, and as amended by the act
of April 3, provided for thirty commissioners, with duties
and powers similar to those of the committee for con-
spiracies appointed September 21, 1776. Quorums of not
less than three commissioners could sit simultaneously
at different places, and act with all the authority vested
in the commission as a whole.^"^ The only minutes of
this commission in existence are the records of that part
which met in Albany County. These have been printed
by the State of New York, edited by the then State
Historian, Victor Hugo Paltsits.
The first commission for conspiracies continued to
meet irregularly during the year 1778 to pay bills, and
kept a careful record of expenditures in their book of
minutes. Their last meeting was held on September 23,
1778, when their accounts were closed, their books
audited, and the balance of their money was returned to
the State Treasurer.
The extant original minutes of the committee and of
the first commission for detecting and defeating con-
spiracies were presented to the New York Historical
Society by Elisha Jenkins.^^ In a letter ^^ to De Witt
''Ibid., I, 1116.
" Votes and Proceedings of the Senate, 44 ; Votes and Proceedings of
the Assembly, 38, 44.
"Laws of N. Y., (Poughkeepsie, 1782), pp. 6-7, 30-31, first session,
ch. 3 and 31.
"Elisha Jenkins (c. 1772-1849) of Hudson, N. Y., held several im-
portant state offices under the Democratic party. At the time the
minutes were presented, he was mayor of Albany.
"In the correspondence files of the Society.
xviii INTRODUCTION
Clinton, dated at Albany, November 14, 1816, he wrote
that "having accidentally obtained possession" of the
minutes, he "could not better dispose of them, than to
consign them to the archives of the Historical Society
of this State," of which Clinton was then vice-president.
They were deposited with the Society in May, 1817.
The manuscript comprises four hundred and forty
pages, divided into four sections of unequal length, now
bound together in one thick folio volume. Each section
has a contemporary title page, (which the printed text
follows exactly) containing a number, the name of the
board and the inclusive dates. The volume begins with
section A. No. 2, which contains the minutes from De-
cember 11, 1776 through part of the record for December
31. Section A. No. 3 continues the minutes of December
31 and ends with those of January 21, 1777. The first
part of book A is gone, and so is the fourth and last part,
from January 22 until the committee was succeeded by
the commission. The minutes of the commissioners are
complete in two parts: B. No. 1, covering the period
from February 15 through March 7, 1777, and B. No. 2,
(comprising one half of the entire volume) from March 8,
1777 through September 23, 1778.
The manuscript was copied by Peter Force prior to
1853. His transcript, not entirely accurate, is now in
the Library of Congress. The portion for 1776 was
printed in the American Archives, fifth series, III, 1539-
1558.
The fire in the State Capitol at Albany in 1911 con-
sumed "a bundle of papers," beginning September 28,
1777, which was, according to a note made by George R.
Howell, state archivist, "apparently volume I of the
'Journal of Proceedings of the committee for detecting
and defeating conspiracies' : of which we have the Journal
of Proceedings of this committee for 1777." ^^ These
were probably the two sections which the Society's
volume lacks. This loss has been repaired to a slight
^ First Report of the Public Archives Commission in the Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for 1900, II, 96.
INTRODUCTION xix
extent by reprinting, in chronological order, official ex-
tracts from the minutes sent by the committee for con-
spiracies to Colonel Henry Ludington, the General Court
of New Hampshire and the New York Provincial Con-
vention, and preserved and printed among their papers.
It is probable that the Jay papers, still in the posses-
sion of the family, will give additional information about
John Jay's activities as a member of the committee, but
unfortunately these papers are not available as yet.
The minutes of the joint meeting of February 22, 1777,
are closely written on both sides of a single sheet of
paper, presented to the Washington's Headquarters,
Newburgh, N. Y,, by Colonel Isaiah Townsend, prior to
1858. They are printed here by permission of the
Trustees of the New York State Museum at Newburgh,
N. Y.
The manuscript has been followed exactly, human
fallibility permitting, as to spelling, capitalization and
punctuation, marginal notes and general arrangement.
The usual abbreviated endings of words, consisting of
one or two letters above a period or colon, have been
represented by the superior letters alone, to avoid the
expense of making special types. Words crossed out in
the manuscript are printed in itaUcs enclosed in square
brackets.
Dorothy C. Barck.
EXTRACTS FROM the MINUTES
In Committee appointed by a Resolution
of the Convention of the State of New
York for enquiring into, detecting and
defeating all Conspiracies which may-
be form'd in the said State, against the
Liberties of America. Fish Kill Ocf 12,
1776.
This Committee taking into Consideration Coll. Lud-
ingtons Letter respecting Thomas Menzes Esq"" receiv'd
yesterday.
Ordered that Coll. Ludington, carry into Execution the
former Orders of this Committee respecting Thomas
Menzes Esq'" in such Manner as to him shall appear most
prudent.
Ordered that the Secretary transmit to Coll. Luding-
ton by Express a Copy of the above order.
Extract from the Minutes.
A. W. D. Peyster Secr^i
FisHKiLL, October 17, 1776: ^
Whereas divers treasonable conspiracies against this
State and the liberties of America, have lately been dis-
covered in several parts of the County of Dutchess, for
seducing many of the inhabitants thereof from their
allegiance to this State, and inlisting them in the service
of the King of Great Britain: And whereas this Com-
* Facsimile in Johnson, Colonel Henry Ludington, (privately printed,
N. Y., 1907) opp. p. 56.
'When this and following extracts appear in more than one printed
source, the text cited first is the one followed; important variations
found in the others are printed in italics enclosed in parentheses.
1
2 STATE OF NEW YORK
mittee, after diligent inquiry in the progress and cause
of the said conspiracies, have the highest reason to
believe that they were formed and promoted by certain
notoriously disaffected persons of influence in the said
County, at the instigation of William Tryon, Esquire, late
Governour of the Colony of New- York: And whereas
this Committee judge it absolutely necessary and ex-
pedient for the suppression of such conspiracies, and the
prevention of them in future, as well as the restoration of
good government and order in the said County, that such
notoriously disaffected persons of influence in the said
County should be immediately removed therefrom to
one of the neighbouring States, till such times as proper
courts shall be instituted in this State for the due trial
and punishment of such treasonable practices: And
whereas this Committee, in order to gain information
respecting the most disaffected persons in the said
County, have applied to persons of known probity and
attachment to the American cause, who reside in and
are well acquainted with the characters and conduct of
the inhabitants thereof, the names of which persons the
Committee forbear to mention, lest by the publication
thereof they should be exposed to their malice and re-
sentment: And whereas this Committee, from the
intelligence and information in the manner aforesaid
acquired, are fully convinced that the persons hereinafter
named are notoriously disaffected to the American cause,
and are very instrumental in seducing the inhabitants
of the said County from the allegiance which they owe
to this State: And whereas this State is now actually
invaded by a powerful Army, now in possession of its
capital, and who have effected a landing and are en-
deavouring to penetrate into the County of Westchester,
and is also threatened with a formidable invasion on its
northern frontier: And whereas the American cause
greatly depends on the preservation of this State:
Therefore Resolved, That it hath become more par-
ticularly necessary and expedient to provide for the
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 3
internal peace and security of this State, by removing
from it all persons who are notoriously disaffected and
inimical to the measures pursuing for the safety and
defence of the United States of America.
Resolved, That the persons hereinafter named be forth-
with removed to the several places afl&xed to their re-
spective names, there to remain at their own expense,
under such restrictions as shall be enjoined them re-
spectively by the Legislative authority, or by the Com-
mittees of the several States to which they may be so
removed.
Resolved, That letters be written to the respective
Legislatures or Committees aforesaid, enclosing them
copies of the resolution of the Convention of this State
appointing this Committee, together with the lists of the
persons sent to the respective places, distinguishing such
persons as this Committee deem most dangerous to the
liberties of America by an asterism.
Ordered, That copies of the foregoing Resolutions be
sent to the respective Legislatures or Committees of the
several States to which the prisoners hereinafter named
shall be removed.
The names of such prisoners as are sent to the town of
Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire :
Samuel Sweet, Silas Rushmore,*
Isaac Neal, (Veal) Enoch Lester,*
John Tanner,* (killed,) David Long,*
Peter Buyce, (Boyce) Cornelius Lawrence,*
Area (Asa) De Long, Nathaniel Thorn,*
James Gosling, Moses Shaw,
Michael Vincent, Daniel Southwick,*
Stephen Hunt,* Daniel Doty, (Doughty) in
Robert Thorn, jail
Leonard Vincent, Samuel Mott,*
Daniel Beadle, George Doty, (Doughty)
John Montgomerie, in jail
Peter Shearer,* Timothy Duel,
Joseph Tyce, Laughlin Me Intosh,
STATE OF NEW YORK
Robert Burdock,
Benjamin Chase,
Dirk Butcher,
William Merritt,
Moses Fowler,
Joseph Gage,
Increase Jackson,*
Elias Doty,
Jonathan Thorn,
James Pettit,
John Grant,
George Peters,*
Joshua Gidney,*
Samuel Mabbit,*
John German,
John De Graaf,
Jacob Bush,*
Jacob Sharpstone,
Elisha Powel,*
Silas Duel,*
Aaron Haight, Jun.*
Abel Peters,*
Mathias Cook,*
John Cook,*
Stephen Thorn,*
Samuel Burdock,
Jeremiah French,*
Rev. M^'-^ Bryant,*
Major Ross,*
Elkenah Briggs,*
Griffin Marcy,
Aggrippa Martin,*
John Wheeler,
Thomas Briggs, Jun.,*
Roger Cutler,
Peter Weaver,*
Coon Smith,
James Bryant,*
Joshua Dakins *
John P. Low (Row)
Michael Smith,
Henry Van Denbergh,
Esq.,*
R'd Snedecker, Esq.,
(Swedecker)
Baltus Van Kleck,*
Peter J. Van Denbergh,
John Van Denbergh,*
Samuel Isaacs, (*) jail,
Alexander Hare,(*) jail
Isaac J. (T.) Lassing,
John Robinson,
Ricbell Wilhams,
Martin Dop,
Hugh Mashur,* (Moshur)
Gores Stone, (Storm)
Dirk Van Vleet,*
Robert Duell,
Andries Pulver,
Wandall (Wardall) Pulver,
Adam Weaver,
John Miller,*
David Hoffman,
James Parker,
Johannis Cole,
Timothy Doughty,*
John Degraaf,^*^
Johannes Medlar,
William Doughty,
Mathias Leister,
Judah Swift,
Charles Vinsent,
Ephraim Wheeler,
Wm. Cooper,
Asa Brown,
Anthony Carpenter,
Elisha Rose,
Caleb Seamans, (Seaman)
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES
Kendrick (Hendrick) Joseph Hitchcock,
Younkhans, Eli Crosby,
Jonathan Duell, Gilbert Dickeson,
Sylvester Stone,* Ebenezer Rider,
Benjamin Trip, Jacob Lawrence, Jun.
Mathias Cook,* {Joseph Mabbitt*)
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^
Fish Kill Ocf^ 20, 1776
Whereas this Committee did on the 17^^ Inst, resolve
that the following Persons, Inhabitants of South East
and Frederick Precincts in the County of Dutchess,
should forthwith be disarm'd apprehended and secured,
to witt, Uriah Townsend, Ebenezer Rider, Charles Cul-
len*. Barns Hatfield, Uriah Wright, Joseph Hitchcock,
EU Crosby, D"^ Daniel Bull*, Charles Theal, and Gilbert
Dickson.
Daniel Babbit William Merrit
Jeremiah Birch Jun"" Thomas Carl *
David Nash Daniel Brundage
Samuel Towner Moses Fowler
Ordered that Coll. Luddington do forthwith apprehend
and bring before this Committee the above mentioned
Persons, and that he secure the Papers of such whose
Names are mark'd with an Asterisk in order that the
same be examined by this Committee.
Ordered that Capt. Clarke detach Leut: Haight with
a Party of 15 Men, to repair to Coll Luddington and to
follow such Orders as they may receive from him.
Signed by Order of the Committee
W™ DuER Chairman *
•Force, American Archives, 5th series, III, 467-468; New Hampshire
State Papers, VIII, 379-380.
* Facsimile in Pelletreau, History oj Putnam Co., opp. p. 698; and in
Johnson, Henry Ludington, opp. p. 58.
6 STATE OF NEW YORK
FisHKiLL, October 22, 1776:
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee be
directed to apply to the Committee of Safety for five
hundred Pounds for the use of this Committee, for the
Expenditure of which this Committee will be accountable
to the Convention of this State.
Ordered, That the Secretary furnish the Chairman
with a copy of this Resolution.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.'
FiSHKiLL, November (3), 1776:
Whereas * Stephen Baxter, John Stewart, * Stephen
Baxter, Jun., Jonas Kaneff (Kamiff), Richard Jewel,
Nathaniel Gildershew (Gildershue) , are notoriously dis-
affected to the American cause :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed under
guard to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there
to remain under such restrictions as to the General Court,
or Council, or Committee of Safety, shaU seem most
advisable.
Resolved, That those of the above-mentioned persons
whose names are marked with an asterisk be closely con-
fined in jail.
Whereas it would be inconsistent with the publick
safety to suffer any persons who have been concerned in
treasonable practices, or who are notoriously disaffected
to the American cause, to remain confined in the jails
of this State, during its present situation :
Resolved, That all the prisoners at present confined in
the jails in the Counties of Dutchess and Westchester,
be forthwith removed to Exeter, in the State of New-
Hampshire, there to remain in jail till further orders
from this Committee or the Legislature of this State,
unless sooner discharged by due course of law.
Resolved, That this Committee pledge the publick
•Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., II, 1189-1190. Cf. Journals, N. Y. Pro-
vincial Congress, I, 687.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 7
faith of the State of New- York, for the subsistence of
such prisoners as shall be confined in jail, and for all
such others, who, either through illness or any other
cause, shall be incapable of subsisting themselves by-
labour.
The following is a list of prisoners from White-Plains
jail, in the County of Westchester, now sent to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire: James Boundage,
Joseph Purdy, Levy Devoe, James Budd, Billy Sanders,
Samuel Purdy, Azariah Whittemore (Whitmore), Cap-
tain Jagger.
The following is a list of the prisoners' names who were
confined in Poughkeepsie jail, in the County of Dutchess,
now sent to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire:
Frederick Ham, Junr., James Lummery, (sick,) Edward
Talbot, Lewis Hogg, Obediah Griffin, John Laurence
(Lawrence), John McDonald, Thomas Barker, Samuel
Glass. These persons were all more or less concerned in
a late insurrection in Dutchess County, and the greatest
part actually in arms.
George Browning (Browing), endeavouring to inlist
men in the service of the enemy,
Adam Barrack, Christian Barrack, for notorious dis-
affection to the American cause, and for escaping from
the jail at New- York, where they were confined by order
of the Provincial Congress, being taken in supplying the
enemy's ships with provisions.
John Hallock, for notorious disaffection, and for as-
sisting the above-mentioned two persons, when pursued
in order to be taken.
Extract from the Minutes :
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.®
FiSHKiLL, October 29, 1776:
Resolved, That all the prisoners who have been re-
moved from the jail of the City and County of Albany,
'Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 468-469; N. H. State Papers, VIII,
380-381.
8 STATE OF NEW YORK
pursuant to a resolution of the General Committee of
the said County, of the 25th instant,'^ be forthwith sent,
under guard, to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire.
Whereas it appears to this Committee from the exami-
nations transmitted by the Committee of Albany, in their
letter to this Committee of the 25th instant, that the
following persons have either been aiding, assisting, or
abetting the enemy, in subverting the liberties of
America, or are notoriously disaffected to the measures
pursued for the establishment of American Uberty, viz:
Isaac Mann, John Hitchcock, Laughlin Mc Gaffin, Na-
thaniel Douglas alias Ruggles, James Waddell, Abraham
North, to be in irons, Peter Brown, to be in irons, Joseph
Tunnecliff (Junneclijf), William Bums, Alexander An-
derson, John Feathers, Thomas Pearson:
Resolved, That they be closely confined in jail till
further orders from this Committee or the Legislature
of this State, unless sooner discharged by due course of
law.
Resolved, That a list of all the prisoners sent from the
County of Albany, be transmitted to the General Court
or Committee of Safety of the State of New-Hampshire,
distinguishing by an asterism the names of such persons
whom this Committee deem most dangerous to the pub-
lick safety, in order that they may be put under such
restrictions as the General Court or Committee of Safety
of the said State shall deem most proper.
The following is a list of the prisoners from Albany,
including those mentioned in the last page:
Timothy Clossen, Thomas Flood,
Anthony Clossen, Wm. Tunnecliff,
Isaac Mann, William Duncan,
John Hitchcock, Major Snell,
Seth Chase Casper Bonwer,
Alexander White, Jary (Jury) Weaver,
'Cf. Minutes of the Albany Committee of Correspondence, I, 587.
Also ibid., pp. 613, 621-622; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II, 344.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 9
Laughlin Mc Gaffin, Coenrait Kelder,
Nathaniel Douglas Peter Keller,
James Waddell, William Marter,
Abraham Van North, Alex. Boyd,
Jonathan Owen, John Shufeet (Sherfelt),
John Mc Murphy Peter Crawbergh (Graw-
(Mc Murtrey) bergh ) ,
Peter Brono, James Sloan,
Peter Breesee (Bresee) Gilbert Scharpe,
Peter Brasee, jun., Alex. Thompson,
Henry Brasee, Joseph Tunnecliff,
Cornelius Brasee, William Burn
John House, Alexander Anderson,
John Livingston, John Feather
Thomas Pearson (Pierson),
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^
FisHKiLL, November (3), 1776:
Whereas it appears to this Committee that Thomas
BuUis was one of the persons concerned in an attempt,
last summer, to disarm the friends to the American
cause, and that there is reason to imagine that the said
Bullis and a certain Johannis Van Tilen had intentions
of joining the enemy:
Resolved, That they be forthwith moved to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, there to be closely con-
fined in jail until further orders from this Committee
or the Legislative authority of this State, unless sooner
discharged by due course of law. Thomas Bullis, Johan-
nis Van Tilen.
Whereas the following persons, inhabitants of this
State, were lately taken in arms against the liberties of
the United States, in a late skirmish between a detach-
' Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 469-470; N. H. Stale Papers, VIII,
10 STATE OF NEW YORK
ment of the Continental Army and a party under the
command of the late Major Rogers,^ viz:
Joseph Dean, Jacob Cadwell Burr,
Stephen Law (Saw), Reuben Stives
Elijah Carle, David Travis,
John Angevine, Josiah (Jonah) Worden,
Joseph Carle, Elijah Bartoe,
Walter Brown, Jonathan Asten,
Gilbert Myers, Francis Besly (Berley),
Frederick Devoe, James Tharpe (Thorpe),
David Laurence * (Law- Solomon Parent,
rence) Jonathan Ecly (Eely),
James Angevine,* Stephen Travis,
Joseph Charlick, James Canady,
Moses Travis, Abraham Brown,
Elnathan Appleby, Jedediah Davis,
William Washburn :
Resolved, That they be forthwith marched to the town
of Exeter, in the State of New Hampshire and that they
be closely confined in jail, in such parts of the said State
as by the General Court, or Council, or Committee of
Safety of said State, shall be thought advisable.
Whereas Thomas Gonunck has been represented to
this Committee, by the Committee of Dutchess County,
as a person highly disaffected to the American cause, and
whose residence in this State, at this juncture, is incon-
sistent with the safety thereof:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to the town
of Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire, there to re-
main under the same restrictions with the other pris-
oners destined to that place by a resolution of this Com-
mittee of the 17th day of October last.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary.^®
"Near Mamaroneck, on October 21, 1776. Force, Amer. Arch., 5th
ser., II, 1203; Dawson, Westchester Co. during the American Revolu-
tion, 252-253, text and note 14.
"Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser.. Ill, 470; N. H. State Papers, VIII, 383.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES H
FisHKiLL, November 8, 1776:
Whereas it appears clearly to this Committee that
Jacob Deane, Solomon Haight, and Solomon Eltinger,
are notoriously disaffected to the American cause, which
they have evinced by refusing to receive in payment the
Continental currency, and endeavouring to depreciate
the same :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain, at their
own expense, under such restrictions as to the General
Court, or the Council, or Committee of Safety of the
said State shall appear most advisable.
Whereas it appears to this Committee that Dr. [space
left blank] Weeks has been engaged in a treasonable
conspiracy against the liberties of America:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, there to be closely con-
fined in jail until further orders from this Committee or
the Legislative authority of this State, unless sooner
discharged by due course of law.
Whereas Richard Rodgers has been aiding, assisting,
and abetting the enemy, in their attempts to subvert the
liberties of America :
Resolved, That he forthwith be removed to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain in jail
until further orders from this Committee or the Legis-
lative authority of this State, unless sooner discharged
by due course of law.
Whereas John Carpenter, of Huntingdon, in the
County of Suffolk, on Long-Island, has been lately taken
in arms against the United States of America:
Resolved, That he be forthwith removed to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, there to remain in jail
until further order from this Committee, the Legislative
authority of this State, or of the Commander-in-Chief
of the American Army, unless sooner discharged by due
course of law.
Whereas this Committee are clearly convinced that
Jacob Russell, Daniel McGuinand (McGuire), and
12 STATE OF NEW YORK
Israel Tuttle, of Ulster County, have been traitorously
concerned in inlisting men for the service of the enemy,
and that Patrick McDonald, of Orange County, has
harboured the said persons, knowing them to be traitors
to this State :
Resolved, That they be forthwith removed to Exeter,
in the State of New-Hampshire, and there to remain in
jail, until further orders from this Committee, or the
Legislature of the State, unless sooner discharged by due
course of law.
Resolved, That the order of the 26th of October last,
as far as it respects the confinement in jail of John
Hallock and Lewis Hogg, be disannulled, and that the
said persons remain at their own expense, at such place,
and under such restrictions as to the General Court, or
Council, or Committee of Safety, of the State of New-
Hampshire, shall seem advisable.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. Peyster, Secretary,^^
Connors Tavern Fishkill : Tuesday November
the 19*^ 1776.
Present:
William Duer, Chairman. Nathaniel Sackett,
John Jay, Esq., Coll De Witt
Whereas a number of Persons principal Inhabitants
of this State who for some time afected a Neutrality of
Conduct in the Present Contest have lately joined the
Enemy's Army & have been privy to aiding or assisting
in their wicked conspiracies against the libertys of the
United States in violation of the sacred engagements
which many of them had enterd into to observe a peace-
able & inoffensive conduct.
And whereas it appears unquestionably to this com-
" Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 470-471 ; N. H. State Papers, VIII,
384.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES Ig
mitte that many companies of men in different counties
of this state have actually enlisted in the Enemys
Service many of which persons are intimately connected
with or dependent on persons of suspicious or equivocal
characters And whereas this state is at present invaded
with a powerful army who have already penetrated into
the County of Westchester and whose ships of War
occupy the navigation of Hudsons River. Inasmuch
therefore as it is reasonable to suppose that many per-
sons who affect a similar neutrality of principal only
wait an oppertunity of persuing a similar Conduct with
those who have at length thrown off the mask and taken
an active part with our open enemies and as it is incon-
sistent with the high trust reposed by the convention
of this state in this committe to hazard the general
Uberties of America dependent in so high a degree on
the preservation of this state by an Illtimed lenity to
individuals who have either with artful & wicked designs
or from interested motives shrunk from the duties they
owe their country
Therefore Resolved that it is the duty of every virtu-
ous citizen when a mortal blow is aimed at the liberties
of his country to stand forth in an open & spirited man-
ner & to assist by his example by his council or by his
arms in vindicating and defending her cause.
Resolved that it would endanger the safety of the state
& the general hberties of America to permit persons of
influence & of equivocal characters to remain within it
at this alarming Crisis, more pa[r]ticular on the Fron-
tiers & in such other Counties where conspiracies are
actually forming to aid & abett our open enemies &
therefore that all such persons ought forthwith to be
removed to one of the neighbouring states.^^
"Calendar of Historical Manuscripts relating to the Revolutum.
(Albany, 1868) I, 660. ^
14 STATE OF NEW YORK
At a meeting of the committee at Connor's Tavern
the 25*^ of Nov. 1776.
Present:
W" Duer, Esq. Chairman Nathaniel Sackett, Esq.,
John Jay, Esq., Zephaniah Piatt, Esq.
Whereas Cadwallader Colden of Ulster Co Esq hath
been represented to this committee as a person who hath
long been notoriously disaffected to the American cause
and who from his disposition & influence as well from
his vicinity to the enemy may justly be considered as
too dangerous to be permitted longer to remain at his
present abode and the more so as this committee have
reason to believe that he hath Countenanced and abetted
measures pred judicial to the rights of America — Resolved
therefore that he be forthwith apprehended & brought
before this committee.
Ordered, That Capt Lush do forthwith apprehend the
said Cadwallader Colden Esq., and bring him before this
Committee, that he carefully and diligently examine all
his papers, and that he secure all such as may have any
reference to the Contest betwixt Great Britain & America
in order that the same may be examined by this
Committee.^ ^
In Committee the 27'^ day of Nov. 1776.
Capt. Lush returned and brought to the Committee
Cadwallader Colden, Esq., who was order'd to be appre-
hended on the 25**" inst. On his giving his parole of
honour that he will not depart this place, but appear
before this Committee To-morrow morning he was per-
mitted to seek for Lodgings. Capt. Lush deUvered to
the Committee a number of Letters & Papers which he
found in Mr. Colden's custody, to wit:
A Letter signed I. Colden directed to Cadwallader
Colden, Esq., at Coldenham, Dated at Long Island
Feb^ 20^^^ 1776.
"Ibid.; also in Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 762-763.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 15
A Letter signed Cha^ Ingliss, directed to Cadwallader
Golden, dated at New York Feb'^ 5^^ 1776.
A Letter signed Peter Dubois, directed Cadwallader
Golden, Esq., at Goldenham, dated Monday noon.
A Letter signed Dubois, directed to Major Golden,
dated Friday, P. M.
A note from Mr. Dubois to Major Golden.
A long letter from Peter Dubois, directed to Gadwal-
lader Golden, Jun. Esq., in Ulster Go. This letter con-
tains the intelhgence & account of the movements and
proceedings of the two Armies, beginning Monday
morning Sept" 16^'' 1776, and ending the Wednesday fol-
lowing, dated at Second river.
A note from some Scotch Gentleman at Esopus,
directed to Mr. Golden, dated August the 3"^ 1776.
A small paper containing notes of Mr. Anans Sermon
on PoUticks.
A paper containing a list of the Gontinental & Min-
isterial Fleets with their number of men and guns (this
is supposed to be the Fleets on Lake Ghamplain).
A Copy of Lord Howe & General Howes declaration
of the 19*^ of Sept. 1776.
A Protest against the measures of Congress neither
dated or sign'd.
A manuscript piece of Poetry reflecting on the meas-
ures pursued by the Americans.^^
In Committee &c Fishkill the 28''^ Nov 1776.
Mr Golden appeared & being examined by the Com-
mittee said that he conceived the former oath of al-
legiance which he had taken to the King of Great Britain
to be binding upon him & professed a desire of being
permitted to observe a state of Neutrality,
Resolved that he be forthwith removed to the town of
Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay there to re-
main at his own expense on his parole of honour under
"CaZ. Rev. MSS., I, 661; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 763.
16 STATE OF NEW YORK
such restrictions as the Select men or Civil Authority of
that Town shall prescribe.
Resolved, that the said Major Golden be permitted to
return home in order to take leave of his family & to
prepare for his Journey for the space of 10 days on his
pledging his parole of Honour to appear before this com-
mittee at the expiration of the said term —
Major Golden appearing before the committe was
asked whether the paper containing reflections on a
Sermon preached by the Rev Mr Anan was his own hand
writing — confessed it was. he further pledged his parole
for his appearance at the time mentioned.
Extract from David Pembrooks examination
"And this deponent says that he used to hear James
Robinson frequently talk of going to see Major Golden."
(The James Robinson mentioned in the preceding
abstract is a dangerous emissary from the enemy & hath
industriously attempted to seduce divers of the Inhabi-
tants of this State from their allegiance thereto and
enlisted men in the Service of the enemy. )^^
Fish KILL, December 4, 1776.
Resolved, That the Gouncil and General Gourt of the
State of New-Hampshire be authorized to permit the
Prisoners who have been removed by this Gommittee
to said State, to enter on board any of the Gontinental
or private ships of war, excepting such persons who are
confined in Jail in said State for treasonable practices
against the State of New- York; and that Lieutenant-
Golonel Welch be requested to cooperate with the said
Gouncil and General Gourt in executing this resolution.
Resolved, That a Letter be written to the Gouncil and
General Gourt of the State of New-Hampshire, trans-
mitting them a copy of this resolution.
Extract from the Minutes:
Rob't Benson, Secretary.
''Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 661; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 763.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 17
FisHKiLL, December 4, 1776.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that
Lieutenant-Colonel Welch is entitled to the thanks of
the Representatives of this State, for the attention he
has shown in executing the orders of this Committee, as
well as for the care he has taken to support good order
and regularity amongst his troops whilst stationed at
this place; and therefore, that the Chaii^man be re-
quested, in the name of this Committee, to express their
hearty approbation of his conduct; and that a copy of
this resolution be transmitted to the Council and General
Court of the State of New-Hampshire.
Wm. Duer, Chairman.
Attest: Robert Benson, Secretary. ^^
"Force, Amer. Arch., 5th ser., Ill, 1075-1076.
For additional light on the activities of the Committee prior to
December 11, 1776, consult the following: Appendixes I and II; Jour-
nal, N. Y. Prov. Congress, etc., I, 662-698, 707-708, 743, 756, 1000; II,
269, 344; Force, Amer. Archives, 5th ser., II, 829, 979; III, 238, 466, 687,
705, 825; Calendar N. Y. Revolutionary MSS., I, 515, 531, 642; New
Hampshire State Papers, VIII, 387-389, 390, 393-394; Papers of Geo.
Clinton, I, 383, 391, 404; Writings of Geo. Washington, (W. C. Ford,
ed.) IV, 496-499; transcript of letters of William Duer to Tench
Tilghman, Sept. 28-Oct. 18, 1776, in the N. Y. Historical Society,
(copied by Robert Kelby, 1881, from the originals then the property
of Oswald Tilghman of Easton, Maryland).
MINUTES OF COMMITTEE
FROM DECEMBER IITH 1776
TO DECEMBER 31ST 1776
[MANUSCRIPT SECTION A No. 2.]
Dec. 11, 1776 to) A No 3
Dec. 31, 1776. |
Wednesday 11 Dec' 1776 The Com« met
at Connors Tavern
Present
M"^ De Witt
Gen. Morris
M-^ Jay
M"^ Duer being absent M"" Jay was chosen Chairman
of this Committee.
M"^ Jay communicated to the Com^ a Letter from Coll.
Huntington to this committee informing them that he
had sent several Prisoners whose Names & Crimes were
specified in a Paper enclosed, which is as follows
confined by
W" & Jon" Underhill. . . .Gen. Sullivan, .for not signing
y* Association
& swearing al-
legiance to his
britanic maj-
esty
John Beger& John Acker. Gen. Lee on suspicion of
corresponding
with the En-
emy
Th^ Valentine Gen. Lee an active Tory
Pebody Stanmore
Jacob Jewel Gen. Lee an active Tory
Sam^ Miller John Prior")
Jam^ M'^Cord Elishai Gen. Lee suspected of
Merrit J aiding y* En-
emy
21
22 STATE OF NEW YORK
A Letter was rec'' of the 11 Ins' from Joh" Hardenbergh
Jun*" in Favor of Jos. Montgomery one of the Prisoners.
Petrus Rosen the officer of the Guard informs y^ Com^
that Pebody Stanmore and John Davis two of y^ pris-
oners are very sick. Ordered that Doct Graham be re-
quested to examine them & report their Condition to y*
Com^
Gen. Morris informs the Com^ that he had permitted
Th" Valentine and [torn] [U]nderhill to go at large on
their parole to appear every Day and that the others are
in the Guard House except some who had escaped.
Charles Haight Jun"" of North Castle being examined
on Oath saith that he was sent here by the Com^ of
Bedford. That about two months ago he was enticed
by Caleb Fowler Jun"" to go with him to Long Island,
the said Fowler telling him that if he staid he would be
taken up. That they went together to Byram. That
they communicated their Design to Stephen Lyon a son
of John Lyon at that Place. That the s*^ Lyons Negroes
carried them over to Musquetoe Cove, from whence he
again came over to Memaroneck at the time the Enemy
were there. That Fowler went to the Enemy on Long
Island. That on their way to Byram they staid a night
Jonathan ^t Jonathan Millers in Kings Street and the next night
jimel* ^^ James Brundiges who both entertained them & knew
entertifn where they were going. That Stephen Lyon looked out
Tories fQj. ^ Cauoc for them. That he saw Roger's Rangers
at Memaroneck. That William Underhill Jun'" of Cort-
land Manor was a Cap' among them & had brought
several men with him as he understood among them, &
William that Underhill told him he was going home. That he
Sd Samuel also saw amoug them Samuel Kip of North Castle, who
iogewS' told the Ex' that he was a Leu' and was going home also.
«^"^^" Charles Haight
Sworn 11 Dec'- 1776
John Jay
Ordered That Cap' Townsend forthwith apprehend
Mmlr* a[nd] bring before this Com® Stephen Lyon, Jonathan
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 23
Mill[er], James Brundige William Underhill Jun'" & [Briundige
Samuel [Kip] i^Kip^^be
Whereas the said Charles Haight Jun'' has offered to hended^'
assist Cap*" Townsend in apprehending the af*^ Persons
Ordered that he be the Bearer of a Letter for that Pur-
pose to Cap*^ Townsend and return with him to this
Committee
The Rev*^ Docf Graham reports that he has examined d' Graham
John Davis and Pebody Stanmore agreable to the order the case°of
of this Committee. That the former is ill of a Pox & and"Da°vfs
may with safety remain where he is. That the latter has be removed
a Fever and ought to be removed. Hospital
Ordered that the Rev'^ Docf Graham be requested to
see John Davis removed to the Hospital and attend them
both.
Connor's Tavern at Fish Kill 13 Dec"" 1776
The Committee met
Pres*
M'" Jay Chairman
M'- De Wit
M'- Duer
Gen. Morris
M"" Jay informs y^ Com® that he last Evening released
Anthony Alair one of the Prisoners from the Custody ^SLd^'''''
of the Guard, on his Brother Peter Alair's becoming
Surety for his appearance.
M'' Duer communicated to the Com® a Letter from
Egb. Benson Esq"" of the ir^ Inst, enclosing Papers con- ^"^e^son"'"
taining Information ag^ and concerning sundry Persons
Also a Letter from Maurice Pleas respecting Ch^ Vin- ce^nt el-'""
cent who had escaped from Exeter— of the 9'^ Inst. 1776. ^Ife/™""
Also a Letter from Coll. Th^ Thomas of the 11 Deo^
Inst, enclosing a Letter from Gen. Wadsworth to Gen.
Spencer relative to a Number of Tories he had appre-
hended by order of Gen. Lee.
The Prisoners referred to by Gen. Wadsworth are
24 OTATE OF NEW YORK
Caleb Archer Isaac Tomkins
Isaac Lawrence Edward Odell
Paul Graham Henry Le Fergue
Joshua Odell John Shute
Samuel Dean James Tomkms
Benj'' Booth John Mc Cord
Elbert Arsen Edw. Drake
Thomas Ellis John Vermiljea
Amos Le Fergue Anthony Alair
John Dickson Isaac Arsen
Peter Dobbs W"" Paterson
Henry Fowler Benj. Vermiljea Cap*
Gen. Morris informs the Com^ that Israel Honeywell
and John Youngs two of the Com^ of W Chester County
told him all the above named Persons were notoriously
disaffected to the American Cause & in their opinion
ought to be removed to one of the neighbouring States.
M"" Duer also communicated to the Com^ a Certificate
of John Baker a Serjeant in y^ 4*^ Reg* certifying certain
und«Mi Matters ag* W" Underhill— at the foot of w*^ Certificate
is another of CoU. Nixon of the Character of Baker
A Letter from Isaac Everit Chairman of the Com® of
Stephen Frcdericksburgh of the 10 Dec"" 1776 respecting Stephen
Booth Booth sent Prisoner to the Com® was read
M'' Duer also communicated to the Com® a Letter from
Leonar.d Gansevoort Esq"* of 21 Nov. last respecting
cuyL Henry Cuyler, Major Edmunston & Leiut* Hugh Frazier
Edmonston thrcc half pay oflBcers disaffected to the Am. Cause
Fr'Sr M'" Duer informed the Com® that the Mayor of Albany
Abraham ^^^ ^^^ bccu committcd to the Custody of Leut*
c Cuyler Schoonmaker had escaped and that he had put the Leiu*
under arrest.
Whereas Henry Cuyler, Major Edmundston and Leiu-
tenant Hugh Frazier are oflScers on half Pay in the
Service of the King of Great Britain and Whereas this
Bo"*ton Committee are well informed that the s*^ Gentlemen are
notoriously disaffected to the American Cause
Resolved that they be forthwith removed to the town
Cuyler
Edmonston
& Frazier
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 25
of Boston & remain there at their own Expence on the
Parole directed for Prisoners of War, and that the Com-
mittee of Albany be requested to execute this Resolution.
M"" Duer again attending the Committee & having
compleated the Business for which he left it, M'' Jay M/Duer
resigned the Chair & M"" Duer was again unanimously cha"^a„
appointed Chairman to this Com*.
P. M.
Present
William Duer Esq"" Chairman
Gen' Morris
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec"" 15*^
Present W"^ Duer Chairman
Captain Silas Purdy brought in Humphry Merrit,
Elisha Purdy and Lodowick Millar, three Tories from Memt,
the Precinct of New Marlborough who had been privy Mm?r*
to a treasonable Conspiracy form'd by James Robinson, ^pp'^^^"
Jacob Russell and others against the Liberties of the
United States.
Order'd that Capt" Purdy deliver these Persons to the
officer of Guard, who is hereby order'd to keep them in
safe Custody till further Orders from the Committee.
Henry Brandt and John Niles were discharged on Brandt
taking the Oath of Allegiance to the State. diS?ged
Coll. Drake applied for Leave to take Isaac Tomkins ^.^^^^^^
his Wifes Brother to his own home, and promis'd to ^eieaaed
return him on Wednesday next.
Order'd that the Officer of the Guard deliver s** Isaac
Tomkins to CoP Drake.
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec"" 16'*^ 1776
Pres*
M"" Duer Chairman
M"- Jay
M"" Gansevoort
CoP De Witt
A Letter from Joshua Draper one of the Committee Ralph
of Spencer in the State of Massachusets Bay in favor of ^""p"
26
STATE OF NEW YORK
Letter from
Com« of
Claverack
Ralph Phillips one of the Persons who was sent by this
Committee to that Place was laid before the Convention
and referrd to this Committee.
The Reverend M"" Rysdorp appeard before the Con-
vention, and informd them that the said Ralph Phillips
was a Person of good Moral Character and very useful
to the Community — with Respect to his PoKtical Char-
acter he does not pretend to determine.
A Letter from Lawrence Fonda Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Claverack enclosing certain Affidavits against
divers disaffected Persons was read, and is in the words
following (prout)
Geo : Clap-
per Fred"
Clapper
Pets Clap-
per Jac :
Anderson
sent to
Poughkeep-
sie Goal
Committee
of
Claverack
Peter
Corne
Orderd that the Committee of Claverack be requested
to removed George Clapper, Frederick Clapper, Petrus
Clapper, and Jacob Anderson who are charged with
treasonable Practices against this State to the Jail at
Poughkeepsie ; and that they inform the Keeper of the
said Jail w*" of the said Persons are able to maintain
themselves; and if any of them should be unable that
in such Case the Keeper of the s*^ Goal afford them
reasonable subsistance at the Expence of this Committee.
Order'd that the Keeper of the said Jail receive the
above mentioned Persons, and them safely keep till
further Orders from this Committee, the Convention,
or future Legislature of this State.
Resolved, that the Committee of Claverack District be
informed that it is the Intention of this Committee to
apply to the Convention of this State to enact an Ordi-
nance for Establishing a general Oath of Allegiance to
be administer'd to all the Subjects of this State; a Copy
of which will be transmitted to them as soon as possible.
Orderd that the Expence of the Express from the
Committee of Claverack amou^ to [space left blank] be
paid by this Committee and that the Chairman be re-
quested to advance the same.
A Letter from Peter Corne dated Dec"" 6^^ begging an
Enlargement of his Parole ; likewise a Certificate of Gen'
Three Girls
New
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 27
Parsons. The Letters being read, are in the words fol-
lowing— (prout)
Resolved that M'' Peter Come be permitted to remain
under his former Restrictions to his House and Farm at
Peek's Kills on his Parole of Honor so long as Gen'
Parsons shall lodge at his House, and that Gen' Parsons
be requested to take his Parole in the same Manner as
the former one.
M'' Hazard informs that there are three Girls near this
Place who have come lately from New York — the Name
of one is Henning who has a Brother sick in the Barracks yo^
— that he has understood that she and her Mother either
lived with Gen' Howe, or the Hessian General.
Connors Tavern Dec"^ IT*'^ 1776
Present
M"" Duer Chairman
CoP De Witt
M'^ Gansevoort
CoP Cortlandt
The Examination of Enoch Crosby was read and is
in the Words following — (Viz*)
Resolved that Walter Dubois, Alexander Milliner,
William Brown, and James Harden Near Shawgenck in ^^^!^^'''
Ulster County be forthwith apprehended and brought ^^^^°
before this Committee. appreheni
Resolved that Captain Clark be requested to execute
this Resolution, and that the Chairman be requested
to desire his Attendance on this Committee.
Resolved that Uriah Townsend, Adonais Manuel, Townsend,
Jacob Seedsmans, and James Carman be discharged on "edsmkn,
their taking the Oath of Allegiance. Sailed
The above mention'd Persons attending the Chairman
by order of the Committee gave them Permission of
either joining the Enemy, or of taking the Oath of Al-
legiance. They all declar'd their Determination to fight
for their Country and voluntarily took the Oath of
Allegiance.
Du Bois,
Gilroberts
to be sent
28 STATE OF NEW YORK
Letter from ^ Letter froHi the Committee of Tryon County signd
T?^n* Isaac Paris Chairman dated Nov" 28*^ 1776 was taken up
and consider'd, and is in the Words following —
Resolved that M"" Harper one of the Members for
Tryon County be requested to attend this Committee.
M"" Harper attending inform'd the Committee that
he was present when the above Persons were examin'd
before the Committee of Tryon County. That Hough
and Ramsey were in particular dangerous, and desperate
fellows and, that they whole of them were so notoriously
disaffected that they ought in his Opinion to be pre-
vented from going at large.
Tiyon Resolved that Francis Prime, George Ramsey, William
Tode?to C: Bowing, John Gibson, Melon Kni[ght] and Henry
hend^ed'^" Hoff be forthwith convey'd to Poughkepsie there to be
confined in Jail 'till further Orders from this Committee,
the Convention, or future Legislature of this State.
Resolved that William Gilroberts who has been sent
to this Place by the Committee of Westchester, and who
keepsie stauds charged with horse stealing be forthwith sent to
Pougkepsie, there to be confin'd in Jail till further Orders
from this Committee, the Convention, or future Legisla-
ture of this State unless sooner discharged by due Course
of Law.
Charles The Chairman laid before the Committee a charge
against a Charles Haight who had been sent to this Place
by the Committee of Bedford in Westchester County,
w** being read is in the words following —
Dec-- 18* 1776.
Present
W" Duer Chairman
Gen' Morris
CoP De Witt
Capt" Piatt
[Ge'n} Clinton informs the Committee that a Quantity
of Butter was deposited, at Fort Montgomery, w^ had
been taken from a certain Brian Connor, who had in-
Haight
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 29
tended to carry it to the Enemy, and had been sent a
Prisoner to Fort Constitution, and beggd to know what
should be done with it.']
Josiah Berkely appear'd before the Committee and
inform'd them that he had left Long Island last Monday
Sennight at the Request of M"^ Baltus Vankleek of New-
York — that he had sent him to M'^ Joshua Carman his Berciey's
Son in Law to enquire after his Children — that by what tion"* "*"
he could learn there was only 14 of the Enemies Light
Horse upon Long Hand — that it was said that Captain
Wooley had enlisted one Hundred Men in the Service of
the Enemy — that he had not taken the Oath of allegiance
— that he was never askd to take it — that he understood
several Persons in the Island had not taken the Oath
of Allegiance — that the Continental Money does not pass
amongst them : but only Gold Silver, New York Bills of
the old Emission, and the Money struck by the Corpora-
tion for erecting Water Works — that he had come imme-
diately to M"" Carmans, who had carried him to two
Members of the Committee of Rumbout Precinct, who
had examined him.
Capt'' Piatt says that Baltus Vankleek with whom the Baitus
Examinant lives is an equivocal character — that all the
Connections are equivocal — that at an Election for a
Committee in Dutchess County, where the Question was
whether there should be a Committee or not, the
Examinant was of that Party which voted against the
Committee.
John Slegell late of the City of New York Tanner & john
Currier Saith that his Fathers Family & his own moved ^*'^^"
from the Bowery Lane near N York shortly before the
Enemy landed in the City to New Rochell. That after
the Enemy came to New Rochell they were turned out
of Doors by a Hessian Officer and again went to New
York. That after the Enemy left N Rochell the Ex*
went there to see for his Family. That he found them
gone. That he waited a Day & half for an opportunity
of sending to N York for his Cloaths. That his Wife
came there by Water with Design of enquiring for him.
30 STATE OF NEW YORK
That they concluded she sh"^ return & endeavour to send
out his Cloaths & come out as soon as possible. That
she accordingly wen[t] on Board Peter Schencks Boat
at New Rochelle. That Schenk persuaded him to go
along promising to see him safe back. That he went
with them, landed near the Ship Yards at N York &
went to his Fathers House staid there a night, got his
Cloaths & sailed with the s*^ Schenk the next Day &
landed at the City Island, from where he come by Land
to this Place & is going to Pennsylvania to see his Uncles
& Aunts.
That it was agr^ between him & his Wife that she
with her Child sh'^ leave New York the first opportunity
& come to New Rochelle. That she sh*^ send word to
her Cousin one John Harbeck who lives with a Currier
here, and that on his Return from Pennsylvania he
should go down to N Rochelle & fetch her and that
Harbeck sh"^ fetch her in Case Ex^ sh"^ not return at the
time expected. That Women are permitted to go out
and into New York without Interruption. That he
served as a Corp^ in Capt. Leonard's Company in Lashers
Reg^ in Gen. Scotts Brigade.
John Slegel
Resolved that John Slegel be put on his Parole not to
cross the River without the Permission of this Comm^
and to appear before this Committee every Saturday
Evening at 5 o'Clock till further Orders.
A Letter from Col° Luddington Dated Dec' 17* 1776
bHSs ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ which he informs that a certain David Akins
Protections jg gome from the Enemies Army, and has brought a
Number of Protections to the Neighbours — likewise a
Letter from Alex"" Kidd Mathew Paterson Roswell Wilcox
John Young giving the same Information. The Letters
being read the Committee came to the folP Resolutions.
Resolved that Col° Luddington, and M"" Matthew
Paterson be requested and authorized to cause David
Aitkins, and all such other Persons whom they have good
Reason to suppose have received Protections from the
David
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 31
Enemy forthwith to be apprehended, disarmed, and
brought before this Committee, and that they diligently
search their Houses, and Persons for Papers, and that
they transmit to this Committee all such as are of a
Suspicious Purport — and further that a L^ and Twenty
five men, be sent to the above Gentlemen in Order to
assist them in carrying this Resolution into Execution.
Resolved that Col° Brinckerhoff be requested to detach
from his Regiment of Militia Twenty five Men of known
Attachment to the Cause of America commanded by an
active and intelligent L* and that the said ofiicer Parade
his Men at two o'Clock to morrow Afternoon at the
House of Col° Abraham Brinkerhoff, there to receive
further Orders from this Committee.
Orderd that a Copy of this Resolution be immediately
sent to CoP Brinkerhoff.
Orderd that the Chairman lay before the Convention
the above Letters.
Jeremiah Scribner delivered to the Committee a Letter
from the Committee of Fredericksburgh transmitting a ^^^^^
Charge against a certain Jeremiah Baley whom they had
sent under Guard.
Orderd that Jer^ Scribner deliver the above mention'd
Jeremiah Baley to the Officer of the Guards who is
directed to keep them in safe Custody till further Orders.
Connors Tavern Fish Kill Dec' 18'^ [sic for 19"^]
1776
Present
M"" Duer Chairman
General Morris
CoP DeWitt
M'- Zeph^ Piatt
Captain Sacket
M"" Joseph Haff of the nine Partners appeared before M'Huflt
the Committee and inform'd that Thomas Tobias, Richard i"^"""**"
Peters, John Howard, D'" Christian Tobias, and D"" Tobias
and Wilbert Duell all of the Nine Partners and very
Jeremiah
Capt
32 STATE OF NEW YORK
Active Tories had for some [time] absconded — that John
Howard Richard Peters and Thomas Tobias has re-
turn'd, and that since their Return a Number of Young
Men who lived in their Neighbourhood were Missing,
and as they suppose went off with some of the above
Persons.
Captain Caleb Haight attending gave the same Infor-
SS" mation and says further that they are Eight Men be-
longing to his Company, who had absconded. Their
names are Willbert Duell, Silas Duell 3*^ (Son of Silas
Duell) Samuel Hoccey, John Smith, Thomas Tobias,
Israel Hallock, Amos Hallock, Isaac Haff — all in Char-
lotte Precinct. That some of these Persons are men of
Estate and have considerable Forage. That there is
near Twenty Men out of Captain Smith's Company who
have absconded. That Thomas Tobias was home on
Monday last.
Resolved, that Captain Haight, M^ Isaac Haff, and Cap-
tain Samuel Smith be requested to furnish this Commit-
tee with a List of such Persons who have absconded from
the Nine Partners, distinguishing such as have Property.
The Chairman being appointed by the Convention on
another Committee which required his indispensable At-
tendance, M"" Gansevoort was unanimously Chosen
Chairman.
Mayor of ^"^ Ducr iuform'd the Committee that he had deliverd
MMp"es Abraham C Cuyler Esqr late Mayor of Albany to L*"
Schoonmaker of Captain Bellknap's Company and that
he had suffer'd him to escape — that he had put U
Schoonmaker under Arrest 'till the Pleasure of this Com-
mittee should be known.
Resolved, that the Committee approve of M"" Duer's
[the late Chairman's Conduct; and that the Chairman
report the Conduct of Lt. Schoonmaker to the Conven-
tion of this State.]
M' Menzies A Pctitlou of Thomas Menzies Esq'" dated Decem'" 17,
Petition i^jQ ^Q ^Yie Convention of the State of New York and
by them referr'd to this Committee being read and con-
sidered, the Committee came to the following Resolution :
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 33
Resolved that Thomas Menzies Esq" be permitted to
return to his place of residence and that he give his parole
of Honour to remain within Six Miles thereof 'till the
further Order of this Committee or the Legislative Au-
thority of this State.
Ordered that Col: De Wit prepare a draught of a
parole to be signed by M'" Menzies.
P.M.
Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman
M'- Piatt
M' Sackett
Resolved that M"" Gilbert Southerd be requested to m'
furnish the Guard in this place with Fire Wood and that t^o prSe
this Committee will pay him therefore Firewood
Decem"- 20, 1776.
Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman
Gen' Morris
M^ Duer
M" Piatt
M"- Sackett
M"" Duer informed the Committee that he was lately
in Orange County that whilst he was there M'^ Tusteen
the Chairman took him aside, and told him that Doctor
Gale was one of the most subtle, and dangerous Tories
that was in Orange County, that he was a Relation of
his, and therefore that he would not wish to have it
known that this Information came from him.
Whereas it appears to this Committee that Lieut. Lieut
Schoonmaker was induc'd to be less careful of Abraham schoon-
maker
C Cuyler Esq. late Mayor of Albany than he wo'd other-
wise have been by the Indulgences heretofore given him
by this Committee and the Assurances given him by
M"- Henry Glen Ass* Q'" M" Gen' of the Honor of the said
Ab"" C Cuyler Esq'" and an Expectation that M"" Glen
would keep a Watchful Eye over him, and it appearing
on Parol
34 STATE OF NEW YORK
also to this Committee that Lieut: Schoonmaker is a
very Young Man well affected to the American Cause
and much unacquainted with military discipline and
promising to be more vigilant in the Execution of his
Duty for the future —
Ordered that he be reprimanded by the Chairman dis-
charged and return to his Duty.
M'lienHes M'' Meuzles appeared before the Committee and hav-
ing subscribed his parole, was dismissed.
John Haims appeard before the Committee and being
Ex^ says — that &c. (prout)
P.M.
Present
M"^ Gansevoort Chairman
M-" Duer
M-^ Jay
M'- Sacket
M-^ Piatt
Col: Henry B Livingston informed the Committee,
that he had apprehended at the request of John Sloss
Hobart Esq"" one of the Members of the Convention of
the State of New York and brought under Guard to this
place M"" Malcom Morrison and David Aitkens, two per-
sons who had received protection from General Howe
Ordered that Malcom Morrison appear before this
Committee.
Resolved that Melancton Smyth be and he is hereby
appointed to take Command of the Companies of
Rangers station'd at this place and such other Troops
as may from Time to Time be put under his Command
by this Com® with the Rank and pay of Major untill
further provision be made for him by the Convention of
the State of New York or this Committee.
Ordered that the Chairman write to Major Smith and
request him forthwith to repair to this place and transmit
him Copy of the above Resolution.
Lieut : Jacob Lawrence appeared before the Committee
and produc'd an Order from Capt. Roos to bring one
Morrison
exam*
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 35
Joseph Pennie to the Convention of this State. — Ordered
that Capt. Myrick take the said Pennie into Custody.
Malcolm Morrison appearing and being examined
saith that last Tuesday week one David Akins one of
his Neighbours gave him a Paper which he put in his
pocket and the next Day or that Ev^ read and that it
was a Protection from Gen: How. That he never in-
formed the Committee of his District thereof being
diverted therefrom by private Business. That he never
asked the s*^ Akins where he got it or what induced him
to give the s"^ Paper to this Exam^ and that on the s^'
Paper's being demanded of him by Sloss Hobart Esq'"
a Member of the Convention of this State the night
before last he gave it to him & that the Paper now shewn
to him is the same That the Evening or the next Day
after he had rec^ the s*^ Paper he communicated the same
to one Alex'" Kidd who had formerly been of his District
Com^ also to one John Young a Saddler there but to no
other Persons whatever.
Malcom Morison
Ordered that the said Malcom Morrison be committed
to the Custody of the Guard and by them confined in
Irons
David Akins of Fredericks Borough Precinct Black- Akins
smith being sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty
God deposeth and saith — That on or about the 29"" Day
of Nov'' last he set out from Home with a Pass from Coll.
Luddington to go to Horse Neck to buy Rum. That on
his arrival there he was disappointed in getting the Rum,
& from thence he set out for West Chester County in
Quest of Barnes Hatfield for whom he was bound in a
considerable Sum of Money. That he went to the White
Plains & not finding him there he went to Isaac William's
near Brunk's River who had married his Cousin. That
he lodged there, and was taken out of Bed there by a
Party of Roger's Rangers That they carried him to a
Fort near one Valentine's & the next Day they sent him
to a Major whose Names he has forgot in the Neighbour-
Exam"*
36 STATE OF NEW YORK
hood of Kings Bridge. That the Major asked him how
he could clear himself from the Rebel Pass that was
found on him. That he s*^ he had come down on a par-
ticular Errand from Cap*- Alex'" Grants wife to him and
that if the Maj' would send him to Cap^ Grant or Cap*
Archibald Campbell who were his old Neighbours he
could prove his Character. That thereupon the Maj''
sent him under Guard to Cap* Campbells Quarters at a
White House of M'" Fred'' Van Cortlandts. That on his
arrival there he told Cap* Campbel he was a Prisoner
and that it was in his Power to discharge him. That Cap*
Campbell s'^ he would discharge him if he would carry-
some Papers & Errands to certain Persons in his Neigh-
bourhood and be secret about it, saying further that he
had a Day or two before sent some Papers as this Dep*
understood to Malcom Morrison by one Widow Hender-
son who he believes used to live at Horseneck & he has
heard is a Relation to the Hendersons at Robinsons
lower Stores. That he promised to be the bearer of the
s* Errands and Papers, and that Cap* Campbel thereupon
gave him two printed Papers which he did not read and
Protections from General How for Malcom Morrison,
John Kain, Alexander Kidd, Matthew Paterson, Charles
Collins, and one for himself. That the s*^ Cap* Campbell
entered into free Conversation with him, in the Course
of which he understood from the s^ Cap* Campbell that
Malcom Morrison had engaged to raise a Company of
Men for the Enemys Service and that he the s'^ Campbell
wished he would be speedy about it. That the s*^ Cap*
Campbell further told him that when he left Fredericks-
burgh he delivered two writings to Alexander Kidd and
this Deponent further saith that Cap* Campbell gave
him a Pass to return Home and s*^ he would be at Dep*^
House in ab* six weeks Time and that as he was going
away he met Allen Cameron who had formerly resided
in Fredericksburgh and with whom he had been ac-
quainted. That he entered into Conversation with
the said Cameron, and that Cameron among other
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 37
things told him that he had given a Bill of Sale of
his Estate to Malcolm Morrison to save his Prop-
erty.
And this Depon^ further saith that Barney Kain a
Brother of John Kain is a Leu* to the s'^ Campbell &
that this Dep* also understood from the s*^ Cap'' Campbell
that Malcom Morrison after he had raised his Company
was to be under Gov" Brown
That this Dep* made the best of his Way Home. That
on his arrival there he delivered the Protection af"^
directed to Malcom Morrison to him. That the s*^ Mor-
rison read the same & appeared much pleased and gave
this Depon* two Dollars for his trouble & Care in deliv-
ering the same. That the Sunday after this Dep* came
Home he saw John Kain and told him he had a Protec-
tion for him and asked him if he w*^ receive it. That the
s*^ John Kain appeared shy about it and in the Evening
of the same Day called at this Dep*^ House for it and this
Dep* accordingly gave it to him. That the s^ Kain asked
this Dep^ where he got the s*^ Protection and this Dep*
told him he had got it from Cap* Campbell. This Dep''
further saith that he never delivered the other Protec-
tions to the Persons for whom they were intended as af^
nor has he spoken to either of them ab* it except to
Matthew Paterson who refused to accept it. That one
Hetty Street a Sister of & who lives with the Wife of
Lemuel Wilmot who has lately gone to the Enemy from
Fredericksburgh told him, That Malcom Morrison had
sent a little Girl to their House to shew them the Pro-
tection he had rec*^
And this Dep* further saith that some time after the
s"^ John Kain came to his House and told him that Mal-
com Morrison had divulged the affair of the Protection,
and that he the s*^ John Kain would fall out with this
Dep* and vilify him but that he must not mind it — this
Dep* also saith that he gave the s^ John Kain one of
the printed Papers above mentioned and asked him what
he should do with the other, and that the s^ John Kain
38 STATE OF NEW YORK
advised him to burn them both which he accordingly did
and further this Deponent saith not.
David Akinis
Sworn in the Presence of the
Committee by me.
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that the said David Akins be discharged on
his taking an Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that Col. Luddinton be requested to appre-
hend and bring before this Committee John Kain of
Pawling's Precinct who stands charg'd with having re-
ceived a Protection from General Howe.
Ordered that Charles Collins be immediately com-
mitted to the Guard House.
Decem^ 21, 1776.
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Zephaniah Piatt]
John Jay [ Esq'"^
William Duer J
Ordered that [space left blank] Cushman the Black-
smith near Col. Brinckerhoffs leaving all other Business
do forthwith make and send to this Committee six pair
of Manacles or Handcuffs
Ordered that George Drawyer leaving all other Business
do forthwith make and send to this Committee six pair
of Manacles or Handcuffs.
Resolved that Captain Clark be requested forthwith
to attend this Committee.
A Letter from John Schenck Esq*" Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Poughkeepsie District was read — (prout)
Ordered that the Committee of Poughkeepsie District
be requested to send Joseph Odel and Michael Smith to
this Committee under a Guard of two Men at their own
Excape [expense?] for the purpose of taking the Oath
of Allegiance and to the State of New York and being
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 39
discharg'd unless Cause shall appear for their further
detention.
Orderd that copy of the above Resolution be sent to
this Committee of Poughkeepsie District.
Ordered that W"" Duer Esq'" pay John Haines Six
Dollars for Secret Services performed for this Committee.
Ordered that W" Duer Esq'' pay Caleb Trip two Dol-
lars for riding express to Major Melancton Smith.
Whereas this Committee have been credibly informed
and have good Reason to believe that David Van Schaack
& Peter Van Schaack Esq" Mess" John Stevenson Cor-
nelius Glen of the City & County of Albany have long
maintained an equivocal Neutrality in the present Strug-
gles and are in General supposed unfriendly to the
American Cause and from their Influence are enabled
to do it essential Injury —
Resolved that the Committee of the City & County of
Albany be requested to summon the said Persons to
appear before them to ask them whether they respec-
tively consider themselves as Subjects of the State of
New York or of the King of Great Brittain, if they
answer that they consider themselves as Subjects of the
State of New York, then to tender to them the Oath
of Allegiance and on their taking and subscribing the
same to Discharge them ; but if they should Answer that
they consider themselves as Subjects of the King of Great
Brittain or refuse to take the Oath aforesaid then to
remove them, under the Care of some discreet Officer to
the Town of Boston at their own Expence and there
to remain on their Parole of Honour 'till the further
Order of this Committee or the Convention or future
Legislature of this State — and that Copy of their parole
be sent to the Select Men of the said Town of Boston.
Resolved that a Copy of the Oath of Allegiance and
the Parole aforesaid be sent to the Committee of the
City and County of Albany.
Ordered that the chairman write to the said Committee
and enclose the above.
Ordered that Dirck Gardinier & Matthew Goes Jun""
40 STATE OF NEW YORK
be discharged on taking and subscribing the Oath of
Allegiance to this State.
Decern'^ 22*^"^ 1776.
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq"" Chairman
Zephaniah Piatt
William Duer
John Ten Broeck
Captain Hill appeared before the Committee and in-
formed them that he had brought under Guard to this
place John Kain who was delivered to him by Col : Henry
Ludinton, that he had also a Person under Guard of the
Name of Jesse — Holmes who he had apprehended on
the Road for not having a pass.
Ordered that John Kain appeared before the Com-
mittee.
John Kain appearing and being examined saith that
this Day a fortnight ago, he saw David Akins who told
him that he had something to communicate to him, and
desired him to call at his House which he did towards
Evening of the same Day, when he arrived at the House,
Akins deliv^ him a Protection from Gen^ Howe that he
enquir'd of the said Akins where he had got the said Pro-
tection, that he answered it was no Matter That when
he returned Home he shew'd the Protection to his Wife
and Daughter who were much dissatisfied at his having
a Protection and that his Wife had burnt it — he farther
says that this Protection was never soUicited by him and
supposes it was sent him by a Brother who he thinks
is with the Enemy, and declares that he is friendly to
the Measures America is pursuing — that he had never
shewn the Protection to any one else and confesses that
he has been remiss in not shewing it to some Member
of the Committee of Dutchess County and further says
that he and Akins have been upon very bad Terms for
a long Time.
Jn° Kane
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 41
[Capt John Hill being examined says under Oath that
John Kain was delivered to him Yesterday by Col"
Ludinton]
Ordered that Col: Ludinton appear before the
Committee.
Col: Henry Ludinton appearing before the Commit-
tee and being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty
God deposeth and saith that on Saturday Morning about
two oClock he received the Orders from this Committee
for the Apprehension of John Kain that he call'd upon
Capt Hill and three others who he took with him and
repair'd to the House of the said John Kain, when he
arrived there he found John Kain in his shop, and imme-
diately informd him that he was under a Necessity of
making him a Prisoner, that Kain said he was surprized
that he was ordered to be taken and requested to see the
Orders which the deponent had for it, the dep*' further
says that upon Kains reading the Orders he declar'd that
as God was his Judge he had no such Protection and
knew nothing ab^ any such thing. The dep^ further
says, that Kain run out very much against David Akins,
that upon this deponents telling Akins to day that Kain
had vilified his Character so much Akins replied that
he was not surpriz'd at it for that it was agreed upon
between him and Kain. The dep* further says that Kain
and Akins had some Conversation together to day at his
House and further that he met the said David Akins and
John Kain on the Road together near the long bridge
some time the Week before last and that they appear'd
very busy in Conversation that Kain was leading his
Horse and Akins was a Foot. That as soon as he the
dept came up they broke off. And the Dep* further says
that among the firm Whigs the Character of Kain has
been suspicious, and that he is in general reputed an
Artful Subtle Man.
Henry Ludinton
42 STATE OF NEW YORK
Sworn in the presence of
the Committee by me
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that M*" Matthew Patterson appear before the
Committee,
Matthew Patterson appearing before the Committee
and being Examined under Oath saith that that on last
Tuesday Se'ennight Malcom Morrison, Roswell Wilcox
and David Akins were at his House, that Morrison
shew'd him a Protection which he had received from
the Enemy and ask'd the Examinant what he thought
of it, that the Examinant answered that he did not know
what to think that many People passing and repassing
in the House nothing more in particular passed, that in
the Evening David Akins called this Examinant out of
his House telling him he had something to communicate
to him if he wo'd call'd at Akins's House, that the Ex*
ask'd what it was & told if it was any thing to his Benefit
he would be glad of it, upon which Akins said it was a
Protection from Great Brittain, that the Exam^ answered
that he was once know[n] in Great Britain but that he
chose to be govern'd by those who were his Representa-
tives, that the Protection was never applied for by him
and it was a Matter which hg could not see through,, that
Akins replied if they had not -been applied for they would
not have been got. The Examinant further says that he
told Akins that [he] did not chuse to have any thing to
do with such things, and further said that there was a
Man in the Room meaning Col: Ludinton who if he
knew what Akins said would immediately send him to
Congress but did not deem it expedient to mention it
then to Col: Ludinton. And this Examinant further
says that he was told by Malcolm Morrison, that John
Kane, and several others had received Protections; and
likewise that he on or about Monday or Tuesday last
he saw John Kane, that the said John Kane asked him
what Bluster there was about Protections — that the
Examinant told him that he supposed he knew as much
about the matter as he did, that on this the said John
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 43
Kane call'd God to witness that he never had seen any
such Protection; and that he knew nothing about it —
that on this he the Examinant observed that he was very-
glad of it. And further this Deponent saith not.
Mathew Paterson
Sworn in the presence of]
the Committee by me
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that John Kain be committed to the Custody
of the Guard and be put in Irons.
Ordered that Jesse Holmes be committed to the
Guard House in the Room with the Guard.
Ordered that Josiah Bartley be committed to the
Custody of the Guard.
Capt: Butler appeared before the Committee and in-
formed them that he had brought under Guard Daniel
Reeves to this Place.
Ordered that the said Daniel Reeves be committed to
the Custody of the Guard and confined in Irons.
Ordered that Nath' Sacket Esq'" pay [space left blank]
Cushman thirty six shillings for 6 pair of Manacles or
Handcuffs made for this Committee.
Ordered that Nath' Sacket Esq"" pay George Drawyer
thirty six shillings for the like services.
Capt Silas Purdy informed the Committee that he
had retaken one David Penbrooke who had lately es-
caped from the Guard House in this place.
Ordered that he be committed to the Custody of the
Guard and be confined in Irons.
Captain Piatt inform'd the Committee that he has
received Intelligence that a certain Jacobus Striker who
has lately come from the Enemy, Peter Harris who lately
escaped from the Guard Plouse, and James Gouslin who
had returned from Transportation were lurking in Beek-
man's Precinct.
Resolved that M"" Martin Comwell be requested forth-
with to apprehend the said Persons and that for that
Purpose he call upon such of the Militia as he thinks
necessary.
44 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that a Copy of this Resolution be forthwith
transmitted to M"" Martin Cornwell.
Decern-- 23'^'^ 1776
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq'' Chairman
John Jay 1
Zephaniah Piatt lEsq''^
Nathaniel SacketJ
Matthew Patterson John Youngs and Roswell Wilcox
appeared before the committee and requested the en-
largement of Malcolm Morrison unless the Charges
against him were such as rendered it inconsistent with
the Safety of the State
Ordered that the said Gent: be informed of the several
Charges and Evidence against the said Morrison.
Resolved that the enlargement of the said Malcom
Morrison would be highly inexpedient and improper and
would greatly impeach the impartiality of this Committee
Roswell Wilcox of Fredericksburgh in Dutchess County
being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God
deposeth and saith that on last Tuesday Week he was
at the House of a M"" Matthew Patterson in company
with Malcom Morrison, John Youngs and divers others
that this Deponent sat next to the said Malcom Morri-
son by the Fireside that the said Morrison ask'd him in
a Whisper, whether if the regular Army was to come into
those parts he shouldnt want a protection, to which the
dep^ answered indeed he should, on which the s*^ Morrison
replied that he could get one for him, that this reply
gave the dep* a good deal of thought, that afterwards
when this dep'' was going out of the House in order to
go home, the said Morrison followed him, saying he
wanted to speak to him, and that they went together
into Mat: Patterson's back Room, that the said Mor-
rison then puird a printed paper out of his pocket and
read it to the dep^ that the said printed paper was stiled
COMMITTEE FOR CX)NSPIRACIES 45
a protection and purported to be an Order from the
Commander in Chief of the Enemy's Anny to all his
Oflficers Soldiers and others, not to molest or Injure the
said Morrison in his person or property, and that the said
paper bore date at White Plains in the Month of Novem-
ber, that this dep* was much shock'd at hearing the said
paper read and ask'd the said Morrison where he had got
it, upon which he answered that he had got and could
get one for this Dep* That this Dep'' remonstrated to
him on the Danger of having such Protection, observing
that they would compel those having them to fight for
the Enemy which he would rather die than do, upon
which the said Morrison said so would I adding that the
meaning of the said protection was only to save his
property from Plunder, that this dep* then look'd upon
the said Morrison to be in Liquor and told him he would
speak to him about it the next day, that he accordingly
saw the said Morrison the next Day and told him that
the Protection he had shewn was a bad thing and of
bad Consequence and had given him the Deponent much
uneasiness, and said it wo'd be better for him to reveal
it to this Committee, and that said Morrison said what
have I shewn it to you, and proceeded to say he wish'd
he had never seen it and that he had understood that
Aikens and Patterson had had some difference about the
plagued thing that he did not know what he should do,
that this Deponent expected to have had some further
Conversation with him upon the Subject but s*^ Mor-
rison's going from Home and continuing out so long that
he and some of his Neighbours communicated it to this
Committee and this Deponent further saith that David
Aikens of Frederick's burgh is generally reputed to be
very disaffected to the American Cause and that he has
told this Deponent that he had sign'd the Association
because there were so many People travelling that he
did not concieve himself safe, and that his moral Char-
acter is very suspicious and questionable and further this
dep* saith not.
XNB.
IhUis
wrong
46 STATE OF NEW YORK
Sworn in the presence of| Roswell Willcox
the Committee by me. )
Leonard Gansevoort Chairman
Ordered that Nathaniel Sacket Esq"" be appointed
Treasurer to this Committee and Auditor of all the Ac-
counts offered to this Committee for payment.
M"" Duer informed the Committee that Col: Henry
Ludinton had told him that he had discovered that Jesse
Holmes who was committed to the Guard House for
travelling without a pass and not being able to give a
good acc^ of himself is a Brother in Law to John Miller
who has inlisted a Company in the Service of the Enemy
and that the said Jesse Holmes is a dangerous Person.
X [ikf William M"" Neile and M"" David Lyons appeard
before the Committee, and inform'd them that they had
apprehended disarmed, and secured a certain soldier, who
was offering a Horse for Sale, w^ from his Ac& they had
reason to think was stolen — being duly sworn on the holy
Evangelists of Almighty God depose, and say — (prout)]
Ordered that the Prisoner attend the Committee.
The Prisoner appearing the above aff* was read to him
& being examined he saith that his name is Zebediah
Heath, that he is a private soldier in Cap* Thom^ Cogs-
shalls Company in Coll. Baldwins Reg* from the Massa-
chusets Bay. That he belongs to the Town of Sandown
in New Hampshire. That the Horse taken from him &
mentiond in the aff* of Mess*"^ M'^Niel & Lyons he took
as a continental Horse below the Lines, from a man
whom he did not know.
divers other Questions being asked him & he behaving
in an insolent manner & appearing to be in Liquor
Ordered that he be committed to the Guard House and
that his further Examination be postponed till to morrow
The Committee proceeded to take into Consideration
the Examination of John Hanes, and thereupon came
to the following Resolution Viz*
[Resolved that Captain Clark be immediately furnish'd
with all the Information received by this Committee
relative to a Number of Disaffected Persons intending
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 47
shortly to rendezvous at the House of Captain Chapman
at or near Mount Ephraim, that he he requested to re-
pair there with all Expedition, that he take the most
Efficacious Means of Descovering one or two Persons
of Authority there to whom it would be proper to com-
municate the said Information and that he cooperate
with them apprehending the said Persons. And that if
he should find the said disaffected Persons on their in-
tended Route before his arrival there, that he follow
them, endeavor to overtake them through their Route
to Norwalk — and in the most secret and Effectual Man-
ner cause them to be apprehended.']
Resolved that Enoch Crosby assuming the Name of
[space left blank] do forthwith repair to Mount Ephraim
and use his utmost Art to discover the designs, Places
of Resort, and Route, of certain disaffected Persons in
that Quarter, who have form'd a Design of Joining the
Enemy, and that for that Purpose the said Enoch be
made acquainted with all the Information received by
this Committee concerning this Plan, and that he be
furnish'd with such Passes as will enable him to pass
there without interruption, and with such others as will
enable him to pass as an Emissary of the Enemy amongst
Persons disaffected to the American Cause.
Resolved that Enoch Crosby be furnish'd with an
Horse and the Sum of Thirty Dollars in order to enable
him to execute the above Resolution.
Resolved that M'^ Nath^ Sacket be requested to give
such Instructions to Enoch Crosby as he shall think best
calculated to defeat the Designs of the Persons above
mention'd.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay Enoch Crosby Thirty
Dollars for secret Services.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay Hugh Connor Three
pounds Ten shilhngs for a Saddle and Bridle for the Use
of this Committee.
Resolved that a Letter be written to Thaddeus Burr
Esq^ of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut enclosing
Copy of the Examination of John Haines concealing his
48 STATE OF NEW YORK
Name — and requesting him to concert and execute such
Plan for apprehending and Securing the Persons therein
mentioned.
Resolved that Nathaniel Sacket Esq*" be requested to
furnish M"* Enoch Crosby with such Cloathing as he may-
stand in Need of.
Decem^ 24 1776.
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq'" Chairman
William Duer 1
Nathaniel Sacket lEsq"^
John Ten Broeck J
Ordered that the Chairman write a Letter to John D
Crimshire and request him to repair to Fish Kill for the
purpose of bringing up the Minutes of this Coimnittee
and pledge the Faith of this Committee to him for the
payment of his Services.
Alanson Lewis appeared before the Committee and
informed them that he had brought under Guard to
this place Joseph Odel and Michael Smith who were
ordered to be brought before this and one Jeremiah
Shafer who was sent to this Committee by the Committee
of Poughkeepsie District.
A Letter from John Schenck of this Date was read.
A Letter from Luke Babcock of the 17. Instant was
read.
Ordered that Josep Ferrington Judas Kronck and
Jacob Jewel be discharged on taking the Oath of
Allegiance.
M"" Sacket informed the Committee that Enoch Crosby
was gone of on the Business proposed last Night that he
was to assume the Name of Levi Foster and that he
promis'd to be at Mount Ephraim by Thursday Noon.
A Letter from Lawrence Fonda Chairman of the Dis-
trict Committee of Claverack sundry Depositions against
Jacob Anderson Frederick Clopper George Clopper and
Jacob Hagedorn as also an Account were read.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 49
Ordered that the Ace* be referred to M'" Sacket
A Letter from Thomas Pahner Esq"" was read enclosing
two Depositions against Elijah Townshend.
Ordered that the Chairman give W™ Hogan Isaac Man
Jun'" and John ^PKenny passes to go to Albany.
Michael Smith Joseph Odel Tennis Kronckheyt Josep
Ferrington and Jacob Jewel appeared before the Com-
mittee and having taken the Oath of Allegiance were
discharged. Ordered that the Chairman grant them
passes to return Home.
Major Hezekiah Howel appeared before the Committee
and produc'd an Order from Dan^ Coleman Chairman
of the Committee of Orange County directed to Smith
Clark Serg* to convey under Guard Richard Bull and
James Corskaden to this place.
Ordered that Major Howel cause them to be delivered
to the Officer of the Guard and that James Corskaden
be confined in Irons.
The Chairman [submitted] a draft of a Letter to
Thaddeus Bur Esq'' agreeable to the Order of the Com-
mittee which was read and agreed to.
Decem'^ 26, 1776.
Present
Leonard Gansevoort Esq"" Chairman
Nathaniel Sacket) -^ „
William Duer ] ^
M'' Sacket laid before the Committee an Acct. of
Monies he had disburs'd for the said Committee Ordered
that he repay himself out of the Monies he has in Hand
of the said Committee — this Acct. amounts to £7. .8. .5.
Edward Drake who was brought to this place by Lieut :
Oakley appeared before the Committee and declaring
himself to be friendly to the American Cause and nothing
being against him before this Committee
Ordered that he be Discharg'd and that he appear
before the Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Westchester County on or before the 10*^ Day
50 STATE OF NEW YORK
of Jan'' next in order to enroll himself in the Mihtia of
that County and take the Oath of Allegiance to this State
prescribed by the Resolution of Committee of Safety of
this State of the 25*^ Inst.
Ordered that the Treasurer pay the following Persons
the Sum affixed to their Names
Theodorus Brett £6. . 10. .0
James Cooper 4. .17. .0
Capt : Israel Smith 4 . . 18 . . 6
To D° 2..15..0
John M= Bride 1.. 8..0
James Wall one of the Prisoners having enlisted him-
self with Lieut: Andrew T Lawrence and having taken
the Oath of fidelity was discharged.
Connors Tavern at Fish Kills 26 Dec'' 1776
in the afternoon
The Com** met
Present
M"" Gansevoort Chairman
M^ Duer
M'' John Jay
M" Sacket
M^ Ten Broeck
Ordered that Roger Purdy be brought before this Com®
& enlarged on his parole not to depart this town without
leave, to appear daily before the Committee & to confine
himself within [number omitted] miles of the Stone
Church in the s*^ town.
Cap* Bellknap informs the Com^ that in the night of
the 19"" Dec'' Ins* the following Persons had effected
their Escape from the Guard House Viz*
John Ferguson Francis Prime
Teunis Ferguson Benj" Vermiljea
John Gibson John Beyea
George Ramsay Jonathan Underhill
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 51
John Vermiljea Stephen Williams
Millard Night James Tomkins
Henry Huff Samuel Dean
William Boen Peter Harris
M-^ Duer informd the Com*^ that William Miller Dep'^
Chairman of the Com. of W Chester County informed
him that the several Prisoners sent by Gen. Spencer to
this Com^ were apprehended in this Manner
That Gen. Lee on the complaint of divers Inhabitants
of that County had applied to y^ County Com^ for the
Names of such Persons as they deemed dangerous &
proper to secure. That the Com^ accordingly gave him
such List. That on Gen. Lees marching he left the List
with Gen. Spencer who in pursuance of it apprehended
the Persons named in it and sent them to this Com^
M"" Gansevoort informs the Com® that he has lately
been and shall continued much indisposed, and therefore
begs leave decline the Chair.
Resolved that M'' Jay be Chairman to this Committee.
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 30 Dec'" 1776
The Committee met
Present
John Jay Chairman
Nath^ Sacket
Zephaniah Plat
John Ten Broek
W" Duer
M"" Gansevoort inform'd the Com® that Cap* Bellknap ch'Patrie
reported to him that Christopher Patrie one of the Pris- ^^^^
oners was dead in the Guard House, and that he had
given Directions for his decent Burial.
Resolved that the Com® do approve thereof
M'" Jay communicated to the Com® a Letter from jn«>
Ebenezer Gary & Jam^ V Derbergh of 27*^ Deo'' which Si*
was delivered to him by Martin Cornell together w'h a
52
STATE OF NEW YORK
Order of
convention
to report
proceedings
«g' Maj.
Golden
Peter
NoxonE
aff* ag* Jno
Maloyd
certain John Maloyd whom they had sent to be ex^
respecting Intimations he had given in his Cups of John
Kanes inlisting Men in the Enemys Service, and also
one Jacobus Striker who had been with the Enemy &
had lately come from Long Island & New York, and that
he had committed them to the Custody of the Guard.
M"" Sacket delivered to the Com^ the Exam" of Martin
Cornell which he had taken respecting Jacu^ Striker &
John Maloyd.
An Order of the Com of Safety referring a Petition
& certain Papers of Maj"" Colden to this Com^ & directing
this Com^ to report thereon as soon as possible was read
a Petition to Ch^ Cullen was read — also Petitions from
Caleb Archer, John Dickson, Sam^ Wood
a Certificate of John Smith & several others of the
Character of Nath. Concklin a Prisoner in Woorster Goal
& praying his Release Was read
Peter Noxon of Beekman's Precinct in Dutchess
County being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty
God says that on or about last Wednesday se'en night
John Meloyd came to this Deponents House in Beeck-
man's Precinct that he got a little in Liquor and taking
a pot of Cyder to his Lips said here is a Health to Capt
Kane and his Company upon which this Deponents Wife
said what is John Kane raising a Company upon which
the said Meloyd seemed to be a little embarrass'd and
said he meant a Kane in some other Country, that this
Deponent looks upon the said John Meloyd to be disaf-
fected to the American Cause And further this Deponent
saith not.
Sworn in presence of this) Peter Noxon
Committee by me J
John Jay
M"" Francis Wilsie of Beekman's Precinct informs the
Committee that Philip Vincent and Henry Cornel told
him this Morning that Philip Vincent's Mother was up
this Morning between one and two oClock and observ'd
a Company of about fifteen Men travelling towards the
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 53
Mountains and that some of the Neighbours in slays had
pursued them
M"" Sacket informs the Committee that he had per- john
mitted John Simkens to go at large he being very sick Sged
and his Father engaging to return him to the Com'' on
his recovery
M'" Gansevoort informs the Committee that Col: i^ ^inn
Living-ston had informed him that Isaac Winn had es- ^^''^^^
caped from the Guard
Ordered that Cap*^ Myrick with five Men immediately
march & use his utmost Diligence to apprehend the
Persons mentioned in Francis Wilse's Information, &
that he have power to impress a sleigh & Horses to trans-
port himself & Men to Dan. Wrights.
Ordered that Cap* Myrick request the Assistance of
Coll. Luddington Cap* Clarke & Leu* Martin Cornell in
executing the above order & when done to request of each
of them forthwith to repair to this Committee.
Cap* Plat informs the Com^ that Arch*^ Little Esq""
told him that one James Carscaden had been committed
to the Guard for travelling with a forged Pass to one
Jam^ Conway which Pass together with another Paper
signed by W™ Wilkins whose name is also to the other,
he delivered to the Com^
Cap* Piatt also communicated to the Com^ an order Th^
of Nathan Pearce Chairman of the Com^ of Pawlings bro^ht
Precinct to apprehend & bring here Thom^ Beamus for p"^""^""
damning the Congress & which order & Prisoner were
brought here on Saturday last, together with a Paper
found on him, signed by Henry 0 Hara, & purporting to
be a Certificate of his Enlistment &c.
Archibald Little Esq"" a Member of the Convention ^fftagt
being sworn saith that on Tuesday last he saw James Sde^"'
Carscadden at John Brewsters at Bloomengrove. That
he told this Dep* he had come from the Militia of Ulster
County & had marched with Cap* Watkins to Clarkes
Town. That the Circumstances of his Family were such
that he had obtained Leave of his Cap* to return. That
he denied having ever been summoned to appear before
54 STATE OF NEW YORK
the Com^ That this Dep^ insisted he had & that he had
made his escape. That he persisted in denying it, saying
that it was his Brother. That Dep* asked if he had a
Pass, he said he had & shewed it to Dep^ That the s^'
Pass was for James Conway & signed by W"" Wilkins.
That Dep^ observed to him that the Pass was for James
Conway and not for hm. That he replied, it was a Mis-
take in the Chairman. That James Price one of the
Militia late marched out who was returning on Furlough
accidentally came in. That this Dep* having heard that
he was acquainted with Jam^ Carscaden, called him into
the Room & sent Carscaden out. That he told this Dep*
he was well acquainted with him, that they had lived
under the same Roof. That Carscaden had not gone
with the Militia under Cap*' Watkins but that he had
been from Home a considerable time. That he was of
equivocal Character & had been confined by y^ Com* in
Goshen Goal, from whence he was brought before the
County Com. at Nath. Owen's, where he escaped from
the Guard & had been from Home ever since till his
Apprehension. That this Dep*- then sent Price out of
the Room & called in Carscaden again. That he then
confessed all that Price had told this Dep* That Dep*
Ex*^ him further about the Manner in which he had got
the Pass af*^ That he said it had been given him by a
Boy in the English Neighbourhood, on w^ Dep^ observed
that he then must have been with the Enemy as they
were possessed of that Place. That he s*^ he was mistaken
and that he got it at Ramapogh. That this Dep^ has
since been informed by Coll Allison that a Guard sent
by Gen. George Clinton to Clooster Dock spyed a Canoe
coming to that place, and took it, and that one other
Carscaden he thinks Georg[e] & one Waugh were on
Board & that the man who had brought them over said
he intended to have returned to fetch over Richard Bull
and Jam* Carscaden And further this Dep* saith not.
Arch*^ Little
Sworn in Com* by
John Jay
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 55
An Order of Convention was read putting Cap* V
Gaasbecks Company of Rangers under the Direction of
this Committee.
David Clarke a Corporal in Cap* Bellknaps Company Dav
being sworn saith, that he was Yesterday Morning at the Aff'ab'
Lower Barracks in w^ John Kain is confined. That "^"°^'''"'
Kain asked him what Prisoners were in the upper Bar-
racks. The Dep* said they had one Striker there. That
Kain asked if they had no others Dep* said they had
another. That Kain was very anxious to know who
it was. Dep* said it was a Man that had worked for him
the s*^ Kain on which Kain said, Maloyd. The Dep*
replied it was. That Kain appeared very sollicitous to
know whether he had said any thing ab* him, to w^ Dep*
answered that he had not heard Maloyd mention his
Name And further saith not
David Clark
Sworn in Com^ by
John Jay, Chairman
M"" Duer informs the Com^ that Cap* John Johnson
of the Reg* late of Coll Mc Dougal told him that the
Wife of Verdine Elseworth and Sister of Sam' Gale had
lately been once or twice to New York, and that she
resides at Goshen
Ordered that M"" Sacket pay 100 Dollars to Cap*
Myrick on Ace*
M'' Sacket reports that there is due to Gilbert Barns °" ^''''
for burying Christopher Patrie one of the Prisoners the
Sum of two pounds Eleven Shillings.
Ordered that the same be paid.
Resolved that M"" Sacket taking with him Cap* Van
Gaasbeeks Company do forthwith endeavour to ap-
prehend the Persons mentioned in John Hain's last
examination.
Resolved that Cap* Van Gaasbeek march his Company
to the House & Neighbourhood of Jam^ V Derbergh in
Beekmans Precinct & obey such orders as he shall recieve
100 Doll'
p"! Capt
Myrick
Sam. Gale
56 STATE OF NEW YORK
from Nathaniel Sacket Esq"" till the further order of this
Committee
Resolved that Commissar^' Wickoff do with the utmost
Expedition furnish Cap* Van Gaasbeek with six Days
Provisions ready dressed for his Company.^
Resolved that Samuel Gale and William Tredwell be
TrSi™ discharged on taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
discharged jyjr D^gr communicated to the Com*" a Letter from
on taking
Aiiegf/nce Hendrick Wickoff the Commissary, informing him that
the Removal of the Prisoners to the lower Barracks places
them at so great a Destance from him, that for this &
other Reasons he cannot transport their Provisions to
them
Resolved that when M'" Wickoff accepted the office of
Commissary he accepted all the Trouble attending the
same and therefore so long as he chuses to keep the s^
office the Committee expect he will perform all the
Duties of it
Gilbert Resolved that Gilbert Ogden one of the Prisoners be
Sdmltted enlarged on his parole to appear daily before the Com^
to parole ^ ^q remain within three miles of the Stone Church in
this town, till further order.
M*" Sacket informs the Com® that Nich^ Brower of
Wappen's Creek told him that a Number of his Neigh-
bours had absconded. That they rendevous at one John
Covert be[twe]en Fish Kill & Wappens, at or near a
Place called Ketchanes Town. That he recommends the
send" for one V Zickler a Miller at the Bridge over
Wappens Creek who had s'^ that 150 Men were gone to
y^ Enemy, & also a Man who lives with V Zickler whose
Name he did not know. And also young Dan. Polhemus.
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 31 Dec'" 1776
The Com met
Present
John Jay Chairman
William Duer
Zephaniah Plat
* Cf. App. I, p. 419.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 57
A Lett'' of the 30^^ Inst from Coll. Huntington was
rec*^ informing that By order of Gen. Heath he had sent
to the Com'' six prisoners viz* Henry Fowler, Zophar
Beech, Henry Labach, John Rikeman, Aaron Lawrance
& Abraham Williams being persons unfriendly to the
United States, particularly John Rikeman who was ap-
prehended for seizing & holding a continental Soldier till
the Enemy came & took him
Ordered that the said Prisoners be committed to the
Guard, and that John Rikeman be put in Irons
Cap* Rich*^ Menee & Ensign Joseph Baldwin appeared
before the Committee and inform that they brought with
them five prisoners to wit — Josiah Smith, John Brown,
Rich*^ Lawrance, John Grant, Jonathan a Mulattoe who
says he belongs to Benj" Lester at Long Island. The s*^
Rich*^ Menee and Joseph Baldwin being sworn say — That
Yesterday Morning they were infonn*^ by Phihp Vincent
and Henry Cornell that Philip Vincent's Mother had
heard the Dog bark in the Night and got up. That she
saw fifteen or twenty men travelling towards the moun-
tains. That there being Reason to believe that the s*^
persons were going to join the Enemy, these Dep*^ and
several others of the Neighbourhood pursued them.
That these Dep*^ went together and over took two as ^„
they believe of the s'^ Persons and apprehended them in J^maon
the mountains viz* William Willson and another whose '^""'^
Name they have forgot. That they ex*^ them for Papers,
and took from Jam-^ Willson two Papers containing the
Route they were to go. That Wilson told him he had
got one of the s*^ Papers marked (Wooden) from Henry
Wooden at his House and further that he was going to
New York to see his Brother. That they delivered the
said two Prisoners to Cap* Myrick. That Henry Wooden
confessed to these Dep*^ that he had given Willson the
said Paper and appeared very uneasy about it and begged
them to destroy it and further say not.
Capt Rich*^ Manee
Sworn in Com^ by Joseph Balding
John Jay, Chairman
58 STATE OF NEW YORK
Cap^ Manee and Ensign Balding further inform the
Com® that they have good Intelligence of a Number of
Persons who are going to the Enemy that will rendevous
at Jos. Brights near Croton River
Resolved that they go to Gen. Heath & concert with
him a plan for apprehending them & that a Letter on the
Subject be written to Gen. Heath.
Ordered that William Besley & Cornelius Besley ag*
whom nothing appears, & whom there is Reason to be-
lieve entirely innocent be discharged.
Ordered that Daniel Smith & Isaac Smith apprehend
and bring before this Committee Henry Wooden.
Ordered that 19 Cartridges be given them.
Petition of Peter Dobbs, Amos Le Forge, Henry Le
Forge, & Ebenez Odell & Josh^ Odell.
Ordered that Thomas Valentine be permitted to re-
turn Home on his parole to return to this Com^ in a
month to remove his family
Josiah Smith one of the Prisoners brought this Day
by Cap^ Mana & Ensign Balding being ex*^ saith that he
is the Son of Jonah Smith Dec*^ That he lives in Char-
lotte Precin [c] t with Isaac Beagle. That Yesterday Noon
a Mulattoe fellow Jonathan who had worked some time
with Jam^ Doughty & who is now a prisoner here, came
to him, & told him there was a Chance to get clear of
drafting & go to the Island, & told him to go to Th*
Tobias and he w*^ see the Man there. That this Dep*
thereupon went to W"" Doughty's & there saw Fred''
Tobias who also told him the same that the Negroe or
Mulattoe had & further said that one Grant was then
at Th^ Tobias who would take him safe to Long Island
and advised him to go. That then Ex*^ returned Home
& told his Master Isaac Beagle what had passed & that
he intended to go to Long Island. That Isaac Beagle
diswaded him from going saying that this Ex* would
certainly be taken up. That this Dep* then went to Th^
Tobias's and there saw the s*^ Grant whose Christian Name
is John. That Fred'^ Tobias told the s'' Grant that this
Ex* would go with him, and that Grant told this Ex* to
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 59
go along towards Poghkeepsingh & he would overtake
Ex*^ which Ex^ did. That Jos. Haight of Nine Partners
was to be their Guide, but he was gone before Ex* came
near Poghkeepsingh. That Ex* went on the way to
Poghkeepsie as far the s*^ Jos. Haights and from thence
to the Mountains where he was apprehended. That the
other Prisoners with whom he was taken were the only-
Persons that came off with him. That he understood
from the Mulattoe that the s*^ Jos. Haight was to be their
Cap* and that this Ex* intended to have returned Home
again in a fortnight. That the Ex* has understood from
the s*^ Grant that Isaac Viel of Beekmans Precinct was isaacviei
coming with a Company of Men down this night in
order to go over to Long Island, & that the Horse he
rode belongs to Rich*^ Lawrance one of the Prisoners.
JosiAs Smith
Ordered that sixteen Shillings be paid to Peter Van
Bremen for carrying Cap* Myrick & five men to Dan.
Wrights in a sleigh.
Cap* Isaac Concklin & Leut. Josiah Burton of Char-
lotte Precinct being sworn severally depose that John
Grant one of the Prisoners brought here this day is gen-
erally reputed to be a bad man & very disaffected to the
American Cause and that he this Day said in the Hearing
of these Deponents that he never would be a Friend to
the American Cause or words to that purpose. And
further say not.
Isaac Concklin
Josiah Burton
Sworn in Com® by
John Jay
Sam' Gale & W"" Tredwell appearing took the Oath
of Allegiance & were discharged
Cap* Myrick reports that in Pursuance of the order
of Yesterday he went to Dan. Wrights where he was
informed that so many men had pursued the Company
of Tories he had been directed to apprehend that he did
CO STATE OF NEW YORK
not proceed. That Leiut. Alger came to Wrights while
he was there & delivered to him one John Reid whom
he said he had taken at or near David Akins in y^ Moun-
tains & who had informed him that a Company of Tories
were coming down that night. Whereupon he joined his
Men to those of Leut. Alger & kept Guard at John
Halstead's. That when they arrived at Halstead's they
found two Men there Tiinothy Pettit & Jacob Jackson.
That the latter was by the Fire side and the former on
the Stoop. That it was then between ten & Eleven at
Night & their Horses were under the Shed by the Door.
That this Dep* asked Jackson which way he was from —
he s^ from the Northward. That he asked him which
way he was going. That he hesitated & then answ*^ that
he was going to the Northward again. That then Pettit
came in & he asked him where he was going, he said to
Bedford. That he asked him whether they were both
going one way. he replied Yes. On this he suspected
them both & asked Jackson for his Pass. That Jackson
said Pettit had it. That on examing their Papers he sus-
pected them to be forged & therefore brought them both
to this Committee
That Joseph Baldwin & Capt Manee delivered to him
two Prisoners they had taken viz'' James Tuttle & W""
Willson whom he hath also brought with him
Account of Cash disbursed in pursuance of orders con-
tained in this Book of Minutes of the Proceedings of the
Committee for inquiring into detecting & defeating all
Conspiracies &c.
Reference
£ to orders
Cash p^ Peter Van Bremen . . . 0-16-0 . . . Si-Dec" 1776
MINUTER OF COMMITTEE
FROM THE 3P* OF DECEMBER 1776
TO THE 2P* OF JANUARY 1777. INCLUSIVE
A N"" 3
Continuation of Minutes of the Proceedings of the
Committee for inquiring into detecting & defeating all
Conspiracies which may be formed in the State of
New York against the Liberties of America of the
31 Dec"" 1776 at which were prese*
John Jay Chairman
Zep'^ Plat
W"" Duer
John Ried one of the Prisoners mentioned in Cap*
Myrick Report this Day being examined & sworn saith
that he is a Labourer sometimes working at one Business
& sometimes at another & has no settled Place of abode
That last Fryday was a Week when this Dep* was at johnReids
Work at John De Graafs at Nine Partners, and one W™ won'^bout
Busbey a Man about thirty Years of age who he believes ^^" ^"^'^^
has been part of the last Summer at Spencer Town, came
there. That Dep* asked him what News? he s'^ not
much. That Dep* then asked him which way he was
going, he said to New York and would be glad of Dep*^
Company, to w^ Deponent answered, no That he s*^ Th^
Tobias was going. That Thom^ Tobias was to be a Lieu*
and the Doct" his Brother a Cap*" That Dep^ then finding
the Scheme that Busby was on thought it would be best
to come into his measures that by decovering his Designs
he might the better Defeat them. That Dep* then told
Busby he w^ go with him. That they then went together
to John Smiths in the Nine Partners af*^ where there
found Th^ Tobias and several others unknown to this
Dep' That then Busby told Th" Tobias that he could go
to Spencer Town & bring him thirty Men well armed,
on which Th^ Tobias took his Shoes off & gave them
with a Bill of 53/4 to Busbey to go to Spencer Town for
that Purpose. That Busbey then went off. That last
Sunday Th^ Tobias told Dep* that two of Busbey's Men
63
64
STATE OF NEW YORK
Anthony
Kennedy
SM;>pre-
hended
Humphrey
Herrit
Sick
Mitchel
a Whig.
Cornelius
0. Schoon-
maker's
Deposition
about
Letters to
had come down with Side arms to John De Graaves &
that Busbey was not far behind with a Number more.
That last Sunday night Th^ Tobias came to John Smiths
af^ and there collected all the Men that were going with
him concluding that it would not do for him to stay for
Busbey as the Times were growing difficult He further
said he had agreed with Isaac Viel
A Letter from Coll. Pollard with a Prisoner Anth^
Kennedy who had a Leu*^ Warr*^ from Gov. Brown & had
lately come from N York & referr^ by Convention to this
Com. was read
Anth^ Kennedy appearing was admitted to his Parole
for three Days.
John Reed was also enlarged on his parole
Com^ Adj"^
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 1 Jan^ 1777
Com^ met
Pres*
John Jay Chairman
W" Duer
Zep*^ Plat
Coll. Palmer app*^ & informed the Com^ that Hum-
phrey Merrit was indisposed and at the Request of his
Wife desired that he might be taken out of the Guard
House & put in Lodgings with a Guard at his own
Expense.
Ordered that the Rev*^ Docf Graham be requested to
visit the said Humphrey Merrit & report his Condition
to this Committee.
Coll. Palmer further informs the Com* that W™
Mitchel was ever reputed a firm friend to the Cause &
that the Neighbourhood are much dissatisfied with his
Removal.
Cornelius C. Schoonmaker of Shawengunck Precinct
in Ulster County app*^ and being sworn saith — That on
Christmas Day Johannes Decker of Hanover Precinct in
the same County delivered him a Packet of Letters to
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 65
forward to the Widow Du Bois. That Dep* gave them gitingand
to W™ McLaughlin who worked with the Widow Du ^^J^^-
Bois to carry to her. That he afterwards told this Dep*
that he delivered it to Jannitee the Daughter of the
Widow Du Bois, and they have both since informed this
Dep* that they suspecting the s*^ Letters to contain some-
thing ag* the American Cause opened them. That they
delivered the s"^ Letters with the Papers enclosed in them
to this Deponent, and that the Letters & Papers now by
him delivered to this Com^ are the same viz*^ an anony-
mous Letter to Peter Elting at Kingston dated the
4 Dec'" 1776. An anonymous Letter to John Elphen-
durph, Kingstown, dated 3"^ Dec'' 1776, in which last
Letter were inclosed, a manuscript Copy of the Proclama-
tion of Lord How & General How of the IS''' Nov' 1776,
also a printed paper with the signature of Camillus
printed in New York & dated the 18**" October 1776, also
a manuscrip Copy of Lord Howes & Gen: Howes Dec-
laration of 19 Septemb 1776 And further this Dep*
saith not.
Corn'^ C. Schoonmaker
Sworn in Com'' by
John Jay Chairman
Ordered that M'" Sacket pay M'' Schoonmaker three gchoon-
Dollars for his Expences in bringing the papers men- ^aS
tioned in his Deposition to this Com^ "^"""^
Isaac Smith app'^ and informed the Com^ that in pur- ^^^^
suance of their order of Yesterday he and his Brother ^°°^f"
Daniel Smith had apprehended and brought Henry ^^""^^
Wooden.
Ordered that the s*^ Henry Wooden be brought before
this Com®
Henry Wooden appearing and being examined saith
that the Paper now shewn to him marked (Wooden) is
his Hand writing and that he gave it to the Persons who
applied to him for it, which paper is in the words fol-
lowing viz*"
66 STATE OF NEW YORK
"To James Wilson 8 Miles
To Benjamin Height 12 Miles
To Captins fields 14 Miles
Go safe to Holstid
Go safe to Daniel Wrights
That he did not ask the s*^ Men where they were going
nor did they tell him. That they asked him the Rout to
Pines Bridge and he gave them the paper above-
mentioned. That they asked him whether the Houses
he as af* directed them to were civil Houses & that was
the Reason for his putting Go safe before the Names of
Hoisted and Daniel Wrights, but that he had no more
Reason to put Go safe before one Name more than the
other & that he does not know how he came to put it
only before those Names. That he never desired any
Person in the World to destroy the said Paper, nor did
he ever endeavour to take it from any Person whatever
Henry Wooden
Henry Resolved that the s*^ Henry Wood is a very dangerous
committed Eud dlsaffected Person
keS^' Ordered that he be committed to the Goal at Pogh-
°°^ keepsie there to remain till this Com^ or the Convention
or future Legislature of this State shall make further
order concerning him.
Cap^ Israel Piatt & Leiu*" [space left blank] Losee in-
formed the Committee that they had apprehended &
brought to this Com® one Townsend Losee, who was
travelling towards Peekskill on the post Road & who
from the Inconsistency & Contradictions in the Account
he gave of himself they deemed very suspicious
The s*^ Townsend Losee appearing & being ex^ and the
ace* he gives of himself being very inconsistent & at-
tended with many suspicious Circumstances
Ordered that he be committed to the Guard till further
Inquiries can be made about him
Petition of John Gosper to be heard
Petition of Jeremiah to be heard
Petition of Jeremiah Bailey to be heard
Townsend
Losee ap-
prehended
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 67
Cap* Israel Piatt & M'" Joseph Huff say that they know I'^f"^
Timothy Pettit & Jacob Jackson, and that they are both J^cob
T /v 1 1 A • /^ Jackson
disanected to the American Cause, Tones
Ordered that 40/ be p"^ to Is. & Dan. Smith for services 40/ pd to
by 'em & their Comp^ in bringing Tories to this Com^ smith^*"'
M'" Benjamin Knoxon of Beekmans Precinct informs isaacveii
the Com* that he had taken & brought Isaac Viel who tended
is charged with enlisting Men in the Enemys Service He
Further informs that the s*^ Viel request him to intercede
with this Com® for him & promises to take the Oath of
Allegiance, and make all the Discoveries in his Power
Isaac Viel appearing and being sworn to make a full
Discovery of all he knows or has heard respecting the
Designs or Plots of any Persons whatever to oppose the
American Cause &c. saith — That at the Time he and a
number of others were apprehended in order to be sent
to New Hampshire Tho^ Tobias told him that he and
D'' Tobias intended to go to Long Island to get Com-
missions to raise a Company for the Enemy's Service
Isaac Viels further Ex" was postponed tUl to morrow
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 2 Jan'' 1777
The Com<^ met
Pres*
John Jay Chairman
W"" Duer
Zep^ Piatt
Ordered that five pounds twelve Shillings & one penny igaac v.
be paid to Isaac V Wyck for Services performed for this S^iVf*
Com*
Ordered that forty Eight Shillings be paid Peter Harmanse
Harmanse & Rob* Willson for Services performed for *^"^°''
this Com* £2.8.0
Moss Kent Esq"" of Fredericksburgh in the County of Moses Kent
Dutchess appearing before the Committee and being StL?"
duly sworn deposeth and saith that a certain M""^ Hen-
derson (Daughter to Thomas Emmans) came to this De-
ponent's House on Saturday Evening last and enquired
68 STATE OF NEW YORK
how M""^ Grant (the Wife of Alexander Grant) did and
said that She had a Letter for her from her Husband
whom She the said M" Henderson had seen the preceding
Tuesday at the House of the said Thomas Emmans at
Yonkyers in West Chester County. That the said M"
Henderson said that the said Alexander Grant had ex-
pressed a Desire that his Wife and Children would come
down to him if they could do it with Safety and procure
Permission from the Congress and the Deponent further
saith that during the Conversation which he had at that
time with the said M""^ Henderson She expressed herself
much in favor of the Superiority and Success of the
British Arms and observed that She had no doubt but
that finally they would subdue this Country and there-
fore that it would be best for all Persons to come in and
submit agreeable to the Terms proposed in the Proclama-
tion from Lord & General Howe and mentioned that
many Persons had and were still coming in particularly
CoP Budd & Livingston and the Dep*" further saith that
the s*^ M" Henderson deUvered a Letter to M'^ Grant
which she said she brought from her Husband and that
M""^ Grant Shew'd the Letter to him the Dep* which
Letter was not Signed but was the Hand writing of the
said Alex"' Grant the purport of the Letter was that he
hoped the Country would be wise & prudent enough to
comply with the kind & merciful Invitation of Lord &
Gen : How. And that Britain never ment to enslave the
Americans But only to bring into Obedience to the Laws,
&c. That the said M'^ Henderson said that the above
M"" Livingston was a Son of M'^ Rob^ G. Livingston.
That the said M""^ Henderson gave to the Deponent one
of the above mentioned Proclamations which he returned
to her again. That She also gave one to the Deponent's
Schoolmaster and he imagined She had a Number of
them and came into the Country with Intent to dis-
tribute them. That thereupon the Deponent went and
gave Information against her to the Committee of Fred-
ericksburgh and advised that She should be apprehended
and further the Deponent saith not
Moss Kent
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 69
Dirk Gardenier & Matthew Goes appearing and the Gardner &
Oath of Allegiance being tendered them, they refused fou^f"""^
. , 1 ,1 the Oath
to take the same ofaiieg:
Ordered that there be paid to Cap* Menie & Ensign Menie&
Baldwin £ 1-14^6 for Services done this Com^ p** 2^ receive"
Charge Cost
Ordered that 7-12-0 be paid to W" I. Alger for Ser- w»iAiger
vices & Expences done & expended by him Cap* Manie £7.12%
& their Company in apprehending several Persons going
to join the Enemy
John Button Crimshier Esq' appearing and consenting J^^^J^^j^
to officiate as Secretary to this Com^ at the Rate of 12/ ^pp"^;?*^"^
p' Day.
Resolved that M"" Crimshier be Secretary to this Com^
& paid at the Rate of 12/ p"" Day.
John Dixon one of the prisoners apprehended by order John Dixon
of Gen, Lee appearing, & this Committee on Inquiry oath^of ^
having Reason to beheve him innocent, & he hav^ vol- fidiv""**
untarily taken y^ Oath of Allegiance *'^^''^*^
Ordered that he be discharged
James Briggs appearing, & on Inquiry & Examination Jri^gg
this Com^ having Reason to beheve him innocent & he Srof"^
voluntarily hav^ taken the Oath of Allegiance aS"'^
Ordered that he be discharged discharg-d
Amos Le Fergue and Henry Le Fergue appearing and nXy
having voluntarily to taken the Oath of Allegiance and tfketvfe"*"
no particular Charge being against them anegfince
Ordered that they be discharged Surged
John M*= Cord sent to this Com^ as a disaffected Person Jo^n
M" Cord s
by order of General Lee, appeared and being examined ^f^^^*^?'^*'°"
says that he is a Friend to his Country but neither Whig ^^uher^^
or Tory and that his Conscience wont let him fight on Tory
either Side, he was remanded.
James Cord appearing & voluntarily having taken the ta^Sfthe""^
Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular Charge auegi°ance
being made against him. dLharg'd
Joshua Odell appearing and Voluntarily having taken ffir
the Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular Sh'of^^
charge being made against him. and^ifsX*
70
STATE OF NEW YORK
Edmund
Odell being
of weak
mind was
not sworn
but dis-
charged
Elbert and
Isaac Orser
take the
oath of
allegiance
and are
disch^
Peter
Dobbs
takes the
oath of
allegiance
and is
disch<i
Joseph
Mont-
gomry
& John
Gosper
take the
oath of
allegiance
and are
discharg'd
Letter from
the Com : of
Fredericks-
burgh who
have sent a
number of
prisoners
Edmund Odell likewise appearing and being a man
of a weak mind and intellects the committee thought it
improper to administer the oath to him, and no particu-
lar charge being made against him order'd that he be
discharged.
Elbert Orser and Isaac Orser appearing, and Volun-
tarily having taken the Oath of Allegiance were dis-
charged, no particular charge being made against them.
Peter Dobbs appearing, and having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance, was discharged, no particular
charge being made against him.
Joseph Montgomery and John Gosper appearing, and
having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance, were
discharged, no particular charge being made against
them.
A Letter was received from Fredericksbourgh Commit-
tee in the words following Viz^
The Committee of Fredericksbourgh Precinct have
sent the following persons who were taken by the Militia
on their way to join the British Army taken at the houses
of James Baldwin John Craft and Henry Balding
1st January 1777.
Viz^
Cap. John Dusenbury
Lent. Howlin Soles
George Soles
Jonathan Soles
Daniel Soles
Joshua Hall
Thomas Stillwill
James Wick, a negro
Gabriel Valuntine
William Burriss
Alexander Cook
Christopher Hanes
Ephraim Kelsey
Christopher Otman
John Mihael
Joseph Voice
Charles Near
X John Flagler
Hendrick Grabargar
Daniel Grabargar
Jacob Wager
John Kelsey
Israel Kelsey
Benjamin Giffords
William Allen
X Richard Carpenter
Rowhn Storey
John Light
Albertus Scriver
Nicholas Row
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 71
Jacob Mihael John Millard
Henry Light Joseph Carman
John Near Timothy Scott
William Carpenter
Order'd that abovesaid Prisoners be committed to the
Guard-house
Committee adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connors Tavern January the 3^ 1777
The Committee met
Present John Jay Chairman
Zep: Piatt
Egb'^ Benson chairman of Dutches County
Order'd that the Reverend Doct" Chauncey Graham, be Doct'
requested to take John Davis out of the Guard-house, Sfu^ted^
and put him in such Lodgings as may be proper for the john'cavis
recovery of his health, and that the officer of the Guard oulrd*''^
deliver him accordingly. Hfng^^
A Letter was received from Nathaniel Sackett Esq"" of ™^
the 2*^ Inst, respecting the advice he had given Coll. I^^^^^fi^gj
Luddington about Beverly Robinson and his Son, And terandthe
proposing that the Militia shou'd be put under his direc- of this
tion, for the purpose of Executing the business commit- thereupor
ted to his charge.
Resolved that Nathaniel Sackett Esq"" have power to
employ such detachments of the Militia of Dutches
County as are not in actual service as he may deme ex-
pedient for the execution of the business committed to
his charge. And all officers of the said Militia are re-
quired to comply with his requisitions, and obey his
orders accordingly.
A Letter was received from Major Ledyard, respecting Major
the inconveniencies his Regiment suffer'd, by Guarding l^^I^l^
the Prisoners, and informing that one Willson, one of J;^tw8
the Prisoners, after attempting to escape, and being committee
brought back, was shot dead by one of the Guards, who
is in Irons, and at the disposal of this Committee.
72 STATE OF NEW YORK
Eiija Lieutenant Elija Townsend appear'd, and made report
Bepo'rt^d' that he Commanded the Guard, who brought to this
Deposition pj^^.^^ ^^le Prisouers mentioned in the Letter from the
Committee of Fredericksbourgh, Ent*^ in the minutes of
yesterday, and being sworn saith that last Tuesday night,
at or after midnight, Samuel Berry came to his house
and told this deponent that he must get up immediately
for that forty Tories had just gone by this deponents
house. And further inform'd this deponent that Oliver
Bailey had detected their Rout and given Notice of it
to Cap^ Crane. That this deponent and the said Berry
immediately went to Cap*- Crane's where they found
Seven or Eight men collected on the same occasion.
That they all immediately went in pursuit of the said
Tories and finally apprehended thirty seven of them of
whom this deponent hath understood of the said Oliver
Bailey who said he had passed himself upon them as a
Tory that John Dusenbury was their Cap* and Howlin
Soles their Lieu* and that they were going to join Roger's
Regiment of Rangers and further this deponent saith not.
Elijah Townsend
Sworn in Com^ by
John Jay Chairman
Dan: Bull Daniel Bull appearing and having Voluntarily taken
oath^o?^ the Oath of Allegiance was discharged, no particular
andTs^"""^ charge being made against him; Except those referred
discharged ^q jj^ ^j^g foHTier procecdiugs of this Committee, which
on examination they have reason to believe to be
groundless.
An order Whereas this Committee are inform'd that several
Sr80M°who persons who were by their order sent to the State of
fr^^ew New Hampshire Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay
SSthis have returned home again, and it being Suggested to this
Committee Committee that they have retum'd by permission of the
persons who had the charge of them, Order'd therefore
that they severally forthwith appear before this Com-
mittee in order to Produce their respective Permits, on
pain of Contempt and that Copies of the above order
CX)MMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 73
be left at the respective Dwellings of Samuel Mabbet,
Joseph Mabbet, Samuel Isaac's, & John De Grove and
Henry Vanderburgh Esq""^
William Patterson appearing and having Voluntarily w«»Patter-
taken the Oath of Allegiance was discharged no particu- theoatrof
lar charge being made against him andTs^"'*
John Pearsall likewise appearing and having Volun- JohnPar-
tarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to the State of New ^^^Shot
Jersey was discharged no particular charge being made &"fs^'^"'^
against him. discharged
Resolved that OUver Besley be requested to attend oiiver
this Committee to give Evidence against the Prisoners ordeMor
mentioned in Lieu*- Townsands Deposition ElTdenS"^^
M"" Jay Lent the Committee forty Dollars. m^ jay
Order'd that Lieu* Townsand be paid twenty one u^f^''
pounds, six shillings for himself and the Guard who re°I"vTs"^
apprehended and brought to this place the prisoners ^^^^■
mentioned in his Deposition
Order'd that sixteen shilhngs be paid to Theodorus m'v.
Van Wyck Jun : for going Express to Peeks-kill clfveVieV
Pelegg Wickson appear'd and his deposition was taken as* ag*
respecting the behaviour of John Craft at the Time the '^°'*" ^'''^*^
prisoners menf^ in Lieu* Townsand's Deposition were ap-
prehended at his house.
Ordered that the Com^ of Fred'^burgh be requested to
apprehend the s*^ John Craft & send him to this Com*'.
William Russell and William Brown tw^o Seamen taken w™ Russeii
at Hackensack engageing to enter with Cap* Hodge of Irown'two
the Continental ship of Warr Montgomery were dis- l^^d'to
charged and passes given them to go to Poghkeepsie and fheThfp''"**
two Dollars given them to bear their expences. *^""*^'
Charles CuUen appearing, and having Voluntarily
taken the oath of Allegiance, and the charges heretofore SesV
made against him not being sufficiently well supported ai£?fnce
to Justify his further detention, order'd that he be d"scharg'd
discharg'd.
Doctor Grigory and Isaac Everit chairman of the Com-
mittee of Fredericksbourgh Communicated to this Com-
mittee the Deposition of Leteshe Lang wife of Robert
74 STATE OF NEW YORK
Lang of Westchester County which are in the words and
figures following. Viz*
Letitia The Testimony of Leteshe the wife of Robert Lang
aff?igt of Westchester County Testifieth and Saith Malcom
wSisOT Morrison Esq"" of Dutches County was at my house with
John Bates of the same place on Saturday Evening about
four or five weeks past and inquired of me where my
husband was I told them that my husband was taken
prisoner in New York, said Bates made strange of that
and took me to the Door and told me to enquire of said
Morrison for he knew all about him upon that said
Morrison told me that it was true for he saw my husband
about four days ago and he was well and that he the
said Morrison was Cap* of a Company in the Regular
Service and that My husband was a Lieutenant under
him and said Morrison told me that my husband had
sent some money by him to me and that he was to lett
me have what I wanted that my husband was in good
business making money. And that he the said Morrison
should be backward & forward often and would take
Care that I did not want and Morrison gave me a Dollar
Bill as from my husband as part of my husband's wages
that he was order'd to lett me have and further saith not
Leteshe Lang
Westchester County December the 24"" 1776 the above
deponent appear'd before me and made oath to the Truth
of the above written deposition
Sworn before me
Isaac Everitt
Chairman
Nath: A Letter was received from Nathaniel Sackett Esq"",
Esq:ws the 3*^ of January 1777, enclosing an affidavit of John
rlsowr Haynes, taken before him on the 2^ inst., both of which
ereupon f^Qj^i^Liu important Intelligence.
Resolv'd that as this Committee are ignorant of the
place alluded to in M"" Sackett's Letter, they can form
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 75
no Judgment of its expediency, and therefore referr the
same to his discretion.
Captain Silus Purdy of New Marlborough Precinct ^^l^^^,^
appear'd and inf orm'd the Committee that he had appre- ^e?p°ect"Ti8
hended and brought with him John Caverly & Moses -^^'J^^^"^'
Grigory and being Sworn Saith that he is one of the caveny
Committee of the said Precinct and that they had
order'd the said John Caverly to be apprehended and
sent here for Notorious disaffection to the American
Cause he having openly and Publickly Condemn'd the
measures pursued by the American States for the Es-
tablishment of their Liberties and their being reason to
suppose from his long absence and inimicle principles
that he had lately been with the Enemy And further
that this deponent having discovered that some of Lord
and General Howe's Proclamations had been distributed
in the Neighbourhood he endeavour'd to find out by
whom they had been brought there that he found one
of the said Proclamation's in the possession of Jessey
Wheeler of the same Precinct who being examined on
oath before the Committee respecting it and that he
said he had got it from Moses Grigory That James
Wheeler the Father of the said Jessey also declar'd on
oath before the said Committee that finding his son had
got into Trouble by reason of the said proclamation he
had asked Moses Grigory how he had come to give it to
him and that Grigory thereupon said he need not be
uneasy about it for that he had brought an ArmfuU, or
a number of them And this deponent further saith that
the said Moses Grigory hath long been generally reputed
to be greatly disaffected to the American Cause and has
refus'd to do duty in the Militia
Silas Purdy
Sworn in Com® by
John Jay
Order'd that the said John Caverly and Moses Grigory g^^^j^
be Committed to the Guard-house Moses
Gregory
76
STATE OF NEW YORK
John
Bloomer
whoia
Confln'd in
Springfield
Goal Peti-
tion's the
Convention
An order of the Convention of the 3*^ Inst, referring
to this Committee a Petition of John Bloomer of
Memoraniek in Westchester County Setting forth that
he is confin'd in the Jail of Springfield in the Massechu-
setts Bay and is ignorant of any Crimes laid to his charge
and praying the interferrence of the Convention in his
behalf on which said Petition is endors'd a Certificate
of Moses Church and John Pynchon two Members of
the Committee of Springfield that when the Jail of that
place was broke open the said John Bloomer had an
oppertunity of making his Escape with Seven others
but did not
The Committee proceeded to take the said Petition
into Consideration thereupon resolv'd that this Commit-
tee know of no charges against the said John Bloomer
& that inasmuch as the said John Bloomer is a Subject
of this State and therefore hath as undoubted right to
a Trial in it
That it is the opinion of this Committee that a Letter
shoud be written by the Convention to the Committee
of Springfield requesting them to send the said John
Bloomer under the Guard of one man to the Convention
of this State together with such Charges as may be lodged
with them or the keeper of their Jail against him and
that the Convention will provide for the payment of
such expences as May attend their Compliance with
this request
Order'd that the Chairman report the above resolution
to the Convention as their opinion on the said Petition
Com^ adj**
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 4 Jan^' 1777
Pres^
The Com^ met
John Jay Chairman
Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutchess County
Thomas Ordered that the Ballance due to Thom' Pettit for
f|^*2^* cleaning the Church be paid the Account 5.7.2. of
(X>MMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 77
which M' Duer paid 40/ out of his own pocket and the ^g^jj^,,^
Residue Viz 3 . 7 . 2 is now paid ^"e to tii«
An order of the Com* of Safety of the 3*^ Inst, was read oadwaiu-
ref erring to this Committee certain Proposals of Cad- lercoiden
wallader Colden Esq""
Ordered that there be paid to Isaac Everit 3.9.0 and isaac
to Elnathan Gregory 3.9.0 for Services by them per- ISan"''
formed in apprehending divers disaffected persons. ordfrto'"'
Leu* John Furman appeared and informed the Com* mo^ne?"
that he had apprehended and brought to this Com® Fuman-a
George Hamilton alias Morrison And being sworn saith J*p?^^*j*"*
that he is a Lieut*' under Cap* Hutchins in Coll. Du Bois g^f«^
Reg* That last Thursday he was at Van Curens Tavern
at Poghkeepsie precinct on the recruiting Service. That
there was there the af*^ George Hamilton, that as this
Dep* was speaking to some men ab* enlisting, he said he
w"* enlist if Dep* would give him Gold. Dep* told him
he would give him continental money, to which he made
no Answer. That Dep* asked him from whence he came,
he s*^ he had been ab* his Business & w*^ give no other
Answer. That Dep* told him he suspected he was an
Enemy to his Country, on which he s*^ he had done the
Country Services & was very sorry for it & would never
do it again. That he since told Dep* that the Hand Bill
containing an Ace* of Gen. Washington's victory at
Trenton was all a damned Lye. And further saith not
John Furman Lu*
Sworn in Com*
4 Jan'' 1777
John Jay Ch"
M"" Du Bois who was employed as Commissary to the m' dh bow
persons & Guards sent to New hampshire applying to coS*a"*^
the Conamittee to settle his Account and the Committee ShiSwM
having no time at present to attend to that Business han<S£49
And M' Du Bois suggesting that he had a ballance in
hand of about forty pounds it was proposed that he
shou'd pay that Sum to the Committee and leave the
entire settlement of his account to a more convenient
78
STATE OF NEW YORK
Lieu*
Furman
rec<» 6/
Silas
Purdy
order for
£13.17.6
Malcolm
Morrison
and James
being
enemies to
this state
together
with David
Pennbrook
are sent by
Cap* Purdy
to Ulster
County
Goal
Ja'Me
Laughlin
an order to
«end him
being a
disaffected
person to
Capt
Hodge
Season M'" Du Bois thereupon paid the said sum into
the Committee and the Chairman gave his receipt for
it accordingly
Ordered that 6/ be paid Leu*^ Furman for apprehending
Geo. Hamilton.
Ordered that there be paid Cap* Silus Purdy for appre-
hending Tories &c. 13 . 17 . 6
Whereas Malcolm Morrison of Fredericksburgh Pre-
cinct hath accepted a Protection from the Enemy and
stands charged on the Oaths of divers witnesses with
having traiterously engaged to inlist men in the Enemies
Service and of aiding and abetting their wicked designs
to Subvert the Liberties of America.
And whereas James Robinson is a dangerous Emissary
from the Enemy and hath industriously attempted to
Seduce divers of the Inhabitants of this State from their
allegiance to this State and inlisted men for the Service
of the Enemy
And whereas David Pennbrook hath been confiderate
with the said James Robinson and aided and assisted him
in the Execution of his Traiterous designs
Resolved that the said Malcolm Morrison, James Rob-
inson and David Pennbrook, be committed to the Goal
of Ulster County there to remain in safe Custody in
Irons 'till such time as this Committee or the Conven-
tion or future Legislature of this State shaU make further
order concerning them.
Order'd that Captain Silas Purdy take the said Mal-
colm Morris, James Robinson and David Pennbrook,
and deliver them to the keeper of the Goal of Ulster
County at Kingston And the said Keeper of the said
Goal is hereby required to receive and detain the said
prisoners accordingly
Whereas James Mc Laughlin is notoriously disaffected
to the American Cause and ought not to be permitted
to go at large
Resolved that the said James Mc Laughlin be sent to
Captain Hodge of the Montgomery ship of Warr at
Kingston And that Cap* Hodge be requested to keep
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 79
him on board the said Ship, put him to such labour as
he may be fit for & pay him as much as he may earn.
Order'd that Cap*^ Silas Purdy take the said James
M^ Laughlin and dehver him to Cap* Hodge or one of
his officers accordingly
M'^ Joshua Carman Jun: having been requested by an order
the Committee to go himself together with five men more p°aVn'lnt
as a Guard to convey Abraham C. Cuyler Esq" to the City cannV.r
of Albany and the said Guard having Equipt and pro- men 'that
vided themselves and spent one day in coming down to Guard m-
this place for that purpose but M'" Cuyler having made *^"^'^'
his Escape before they had an oppertunity to take charge
of him and M'" Carman producing to the Committee a
Bill of the Expences and Services of the said Guard as
aforesaid amounting to £ 2 . 17.8
Order'd that he be paid the said Sum and the same
was paid him accordingly
Benjamin Worthy of Fredericksburgh appearing and worthys
being Sworn Saith that he understands the business of Sthfga
an Armor tolerably well and that he was an indented given to"'^
servant to Allen Cameron who lately went from Fred- Morrison
ericksburgh and Join'd the Enemy and is a Blacksmith
That this deponent understood from Daniel Cameron
the Brother of the said Allen that the said Allen had
previous to his going off given a Bill of Sale of his
Effects to Malcolm Morrison that those effects consist
among other things of a Complete Sett of Blacksmiths
Tools the greater part whereof still remain in the Shop
but that several of them had been sold by Daniel Cam-
eron That this deponent works in part of the said Shop
and further this deponent Saith that he verily believes
the said Bill of sale was fraudulent and further saith not.
Benj Worthy
Sworn in Com®
4 Jan^ 1777
John Jay Chairman
Stephen Booth appearing and having Voluntarily taken J^*^"*
the oath of Allegiance was discharged no charge being toBooth
80
STATE OF NEW YORK
Oath of
Allegiance
adminis-
tered to
Purdy &c.
a Gratuity
given to
Baccluis
Sheppard
and Hud-
Cartridges
delivered
made against him sufficient to Justify his further
detention
Humphry Merritt and Elisha Purdy having Volun-
tarily taken the oath of Allegiance were discharged
Whereas Robert Wood Joseph Bacchus Israel Shep-
pard and Hudson did exert themselves and discover great
spirit and bravery in apprehending Eleven [Tories] men
going to Join the Enemy
Resolved therefore that the sum of two Dollars be
given to each of them
Twelve Cartridges were delivered to Cap* Purdy and the
like number to Cap* Weeks
Committee adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 6*^ 1777
Two
affidavits
produced
respects
M' Sackets
proceed^s
and the
resolve
thereupon
Com: met.
Present John Jay Chairman
Gen: Morris
Zeph: Piatt
Nathaniel Sackett
Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutches
One hundred and eight Cartridges were delivered to
Cap* Joshua Myrick, for the use of his Company.
Mr. Sackett retum'd, and produced to this Committee
two affidavits, one of Martin Cornell, the other of Enoch
Crosby, both of which relate to the business committed
to his Care, and were taken by him on the 4*^ of Jan:
1777. it appears from these affidavits, that the plans
concerted by the Tories, for Joining the Enemy had been
much disconcerted, by the late apprehension of several
of their Number, and therefore M'' Sackett requests the
advice of this Committee, respecting his proceeding in
the further Execution of the business, committed to his
charge.
The committee having conversed with M"" Sackett
upon the subject matter of the said affidavits
Resolved that his further proceedings be directed by
his own discreetion
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 81
Leu' Adiel Sherwood app*^ and reported that he on i.ieu'Adiei
Saturday last brought to this Place John Savage and depoXo^n
John Claas, who are in the Guard House, And being sava""'"^
sworn saith that on Thursday last he apprehended the '*"^<^''^"'
s*^ Persons in the Uttle Nine Partners. That this Dep*
being at the House of Gideon Caswell and seeing a man
whom he took to be John Savage pass by this Dep* &
some others pursued & took him. That this Dep* hath
long heard that the s*^ Savage was dangerous & disaffected
to the American Cause & about the time that our Fleet
was defeated on the Lake, he saw the s*^ Savage in Irons
at Spencer Town on his Way to Hartford, & was since
inform*^ by the Cap* in whose Custody he was, that he
had been rescued by a Number of Tories. That this
Dep* had been informed that the s*^ John Claas was of
the Party who rescued Savage. That when the s*^ Savage
was jfirst taken he denied his name CalUng himself John
Burns. That they both confessed they had been with
the Enemy but pretended they had been taken by the
Greyhound Man of War as they were going from Nan-
tucket to Cannan. That this Dep* took from him a PistoU
& in the Pistoll found a Commission or Warrant from
Edm*^ Fanning to raise a Company. The said Warrant
bears Date the 21 Day of Dec'' 1776 & purports that
General Howe had nominated the s*^ Fanning to the
Command of a Reg* of Provincials, which Warrant the
Dep* now delivers to this Com^
And this Dep* further says that on Saturday last he
together with Rob* Wood Israel Shepherd, one Bachus
& one Hudson pursued after a Company of Men who it was
said had just then entered the Mountains, and were sup-
posed to be on their way to join the Enemy. That after
getting a Uttle way into the Mountains he found two
Roads, on one of which he went himself with Hudson &
Cap* Weeks of this Place, & sent the Rest of the Party
the other Road. That shortly after this Dep* rec*^ an
Express from the Party last mentioned informing him
that they had taken a considerable Number of the s**
Company and wanted assistance to bring them down.
82 STATE OF NEW YORK
That on rec^ the s^ Express this Dep*' came here for
Assistance & hav^ obtained it went to meet the s*^ Party
• & found them on their Way to this Place, viz^ Rob* Wood
Jos. Bacchus, & Israel Shepherd with one other man
armed only with a Hatchet escorting eleven Prisoners
viz*
Peter H. Vanderbergh Hendrick Lawson
Isaac J. Lassing Peter P. Lassing
Lodowick Miller Francis Harris
Christian Gantz leurry Gantz
John Miller Hendrick Miller
Peter Joh^ Lassing Jun^
All of whom were then brought before this Com*
examined & sent to the Guard House and further saith
not.
Adiel Sherwood
Sworn in Com^
6 Jan^ 1777.
Robert Robert Wood named in the aforegoing Deposition of
Sosition Leu* Sherwood being sworn saith that he, Joseph Bachus
& Israel Shepherd apprehended the Eleven Persons
abovementioned. That they said they were going to
New York to live in Peace, and that they did not mean
to fight.
Robert Wood
Sworn in Com* 6 Jan^ 1777.
John Jay Chairman
Gen^ Morris took his Seat.
The Committee proceeded to take into Consideration
the proposals of Cad"" Colden Esq"" referred to them by the
Committee of Safety on the 3*^ Ins* and thereupon came
to the following Resolution.
Resolve Resolved unanimously that the said proposals in the
oaX^^"- opinion of this Committee ought not to be comphed with
Jen^ES''^' as the reasons upon which the resolution of this Com-
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 83
mittee for removing the said Cadwallader Golden to the
Town of Boston was founded still exist in full force
All the Resolutions minutes & Papers of this Com^
relating to Cadwallader Golden Esq' were this Day sent
by the Secretary to the Convention certified by the
Chairman ^
M*" Sackett paid into the Committee the Sum of 300 M'Sackett
hundred Dollars b'm^^'^^
Order'd that there be paid to Lieu^ Adiel Sherrard the pa^LL^u:
sum of Seventeen pounds and four Shillings for i^™.*^
apprehending Tories &c. and the same was paid him
accordingly
John C. Philips informing this Committee that Isaiah isaac
Purdy one of the prisoners in the Guard-house is very who'^fs
sick and offering to become responsible for his appearance Hberlted
if liberated j^.c.
Order'd that the officer of the Guard deliver the said be^min^
Isaiah Purdy to the said John G. Philips & Km"'''
Resolved that the said John. G. PhiUps shall be re-
sponsible for the said Isaiah Purdy and deliver him to
this Com: when call'd for or forfeit one hundred pounds
which the said John. G. Philips accordingly agreed to and
in Witness thereof hath hereunto Sign'd his name
John G. Phillips
Committee adjour'd
Committee met.
Fish-kills Connor's Tavern Jan: the 7*^ 1777.
Present John Jay Chairman
Zeph: Piatt
W"" Duer
Gen: Morris
An order of the Committee of safety of the 6*^ Inst.' Prisoners,
was read, directing this Committee, to send thirty of the se"nd'^3"of*'
least dangerous of their prisoners to New Windsor, and mw
'Supra, pp. 14-16; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 762-763: Cal. Rev.
MSS., I, 660-662.
Vow. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 761.
them to
New
Windsor
84 STATE OF NEW YORK
put them under the direction of Cap* Mechin ; first giving
two days Notice to General George Clinton, of the time
on which they will be sent.
oiiyer OUver Bailey nam'd in Lieu* Elija Townsand's deposi-
SpStion tion, Entered in the Minutes of the 3^ inst., appeared,
rejecting ^^^ being Swom saith that at, or about 1 o'Clock in the
Mdhia'''^ morning of the first day of January Inst,, John Dusen-
^^ bury formerly of Kingstreet in Westchester County came
to this deponent's house, which is Situate on a road
leading through the Mountains, between the Post &
horse pound Roads. That this deponent having heard,
that the said Dusenbury had been sent as a Tory to one
of the Forts, was surprized to see him, and asked him
where he was going, to which he answered, that if this
deponent wou'd not betray him, he wou'd use him well,
and further said that he belong'd to the Militia, and was
going to the southward, he then said he had a Company
of men with him, and asked this deponent, if they might
come in, and warm themselves, to which this deponent
consented, and they accordingly came in. That then the
said Dusenbury, proceeded to enquire of this deponent,
for the houses of one Baldwin, and one Craft (both of
whom this deponent understood were Tories) saying,
they wanted to go secure, and that if this deponent wou'd
not expose them, they wou'd be friends to him hereafter.
That this deponent inform'd them, where the said per-
sons Hv'd, and the better to pass himself upon them
as a friend, told them that the road they were going, led
by the houses of three or four Whigs. That from the
whole of their Conversation and Conduct, while at this
deponents house, he concluded they were going to Join
the Enemy. That some of the Company call'd the said
Dusenbury Captain, upon which this deponent asked the
said Dusenbury how he came to be a Captain, to which
he replied it was no matter. That after staying at this
deponents house, about an hour, they went away. And
after they were out of sight, this deponent took his gun,
and run to Captain Crane's, and inform'd him of the
matters, above mentioned. That they got together a
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 85
number of men, that this deponent with 6 others went
one road, and Capt Crane with the rest of the men an
other road, in pursuit of the said Company. That this
deponent with his Company surrounded Crafts house,
and found there a number of the said Company, whom
they apprehended, and confin'd in the Same house, That
this deponent then went alone to M"" Leans Tavern,
where this deponent understood a number of New Eng-
land Soldiers Lodged. That they got a party of them,
and went and surrounded Baldin's house, and there he
found, and apprehended a number more of the said
Company, and while this deponent was there, Cap* Crane
with his Company came there to his assistance. That
he thinks the said Company so apprehended, amounts
to thirty seven, and further saith not.
Oliver Besley
Sworn 7*^ Jan^ 1777
John Jay Chairman
M'" Oliver Bailey mentioned in the deposition in the oiiver
other side hereof having behaved much to the satisfaction feceiTed
of this Committee in detecting a number of Tories Com- i'e.l^o"^
manded by one Dusenbury ord'red that he receive of this committee
Committee Six pounds Eight Shillings, and the same was
paid him accordingly
Henry Franklin of the City of New York Merchant m' Henry
who had been brought before this Committee for having Dedaration
lately come over from Long Island and having delivered a^subjecr^
in this Town certain Letters in which were enclos'd Lord *^'' ^^^^
and Gen : Howes last proclamation Appearing and being
examined saith that he considers himself as a Subject of
the State of New York, but that he wou'd not choose to
affirm allegiance to this state or disclaim allegiance to
the King of Great Britain such affirmations being not
usual amongst the people called Quakers
M*" Franklin gave his affirmation to this Committee Henry
that he wou'd not go beyond four miles of this place until ffflSkin
further order of this Committee.
Com: adjoum'd
STATE OF NEW YORK
Com: met
Fish-Kill Connor's Tavern Jan: 8'^ 1777.
Present Cap' Zep: Piatt
William Duer Esq.
Egbert Benson Chairman of Dutches
County
John
Slaighle
takes the
oath of
Alliance
Eli Crosby
takes the
oath of
alle^ : and
is disch<*
Captain
James
Martin
produced a
Warrant to
apprehend
Tories and
the order
thereupon
Georg. V.
Noorstrand
deliver'd
some
Manicles
and his
account
amounting
to£6.18.0
was paid
John Slaighle appearing and having Voluntarily taken
the oath of Allegiance was discharged no particular
charge being made against him.
Eli Crosby being one of the persons who was sent away
as a disaffected person to Exeter, having return'd, and
giving this Committee reason to suppose that he has
chang'd his Sentiments, and Voluntarily taking the oath
of Allegiance, was discharg'd.
Cap' James Martin appear'd and delivered to this
Committee a Warrant to take and bring before this Com-
mittee Thomas Briggs, Thomas Tabour, and Willbour
Wood being disaffected persons which warrant was sign'd
by order of the Committee of Pawlings Precinct the 6""
of Jan: 1777 by Nathan Pearce Chairman in consequence
of which warrant he apprehended the said disaffected
persons and brought them to this Committee under
Guard.
Order'd that the said persons be delivered to Lieu^
Bower who is hereby order'd to deliver them to the officer
of the Guard of the upper Barracks.
M' George Van Noordstrand appeared and delivered
six pair of Manacles as also an account for making
twenty one pair of Manacles nine pair of which he de-
livered to Cap' Weeks his account amounting to £ 6. 18.0.
was allowed and paid
Com: adjourn'd
Fish-Kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 9'^ 1777.
Present
Cap'Zep: Piatt
William Duer Esq.
General Morris
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 87
Lieu^ Jacob Bower borrowed of this Committee 40 ^j^^^*^
DolF^ reed 40
Doll"
A Letter from George Fisher, directed to John Jay a Letter
Esq. President of this Committee, was received this day, m° oeo^e
informing that one M""^ Melanshaw, the wife of a no- respecting
torious Tory in the City of New York, in Company with ^Iwand'"''
an other woman was arrived at this place, and is now thireupoir
at M"" Quackenbosses ; that she was agoing to remove
her effects, and three of her sons to the City of New York,
and it is probable, she is an instrum^ that may work a
great deal of Mischief.
Cap* Martin Wiltsie appearing before this Committee,
inform'd them, that having rec"* the same intelligence from
M'' Fisher this morning, he had sent a party of three men,
under the Command of one M"" Fisher, to secure the
Baggage, and effects of the said Women (some of which
are in the possession of John Planton) and to suffer no
person to have conversation with them, until further
orders from this Committee.
Resolv'd that this Committee, highly approve of the
steps taken by the said Martin Wiltsie, respecting the
said Women, and Further that he be requested, and
Authorized to Cause their persons and Baggage to be
search'd, and examined in the most Critical manner, by
two discreet Women, of known attachment to the Ameri-
can Cause, in order that all papers found on them, may
be secured and sent to this Committee for examination
together with the Women above mentioned.
Order'd that the resolution of this Committee of the an order
3*^ of January respecting the Citation of persons who resolution
have been remov'd from this State and have return'd Ki^tiln
with out the permission of the Convention or this Com- whoTeT
mittee be printed, and affix'd at some of the most Con- fr^lhis
spicuous Places of this & the neighboring Counties, in Ke-""''
order that no Person may plead Ignorance of the same. Sted^^
A Letter from Nathaniel Sackett Esq" informing the
Com : that he had caus'd a certain Willson Morrison be-
longing to Coll Rodgers's Rangers to be apprehended and
sent to this Committee under the Guard of Ensign Ed-
hended
88 STATE OF NEW YORK
Wilson ward Penney. To the same Letter is annex'd the ex-
ijpre'"" amination of the said Willson Morrison who M"" Sackett
recommends to be further examin'd by this Committee
Ensign Edward Penny appearing before this Commit-
tee inform'd them that in consiquence of a Warrant
from Nathaniel Sacket Esq'" he had apprehended the
person above mentioned and had brought him under
Guard to this place. That the said Willson Morrison
had deUvered to him a Certificate from Lieu^ John Odell
in the Continental Army in the words following Viz*
Fairfield Jan : the 4*^ 1777.
To all to whom it may concern this may Certify that
the bearer hereof Willson Morrison now in Fairfield
says that he was taken on Long Island and afterwards
enlisted amongst Rodgers's Rangers from which he
deserted the 22^ of December last and as he has
laboured with and near me for time I have examin'd
him into every thing I could and find him to be honest
as I believe and dont see why he should not go to his
place of abode or to Coll. Atleys Regiment which he
says he belongs to I desire he may be directed to some
General officer at Peeks Kills for further examination.
P"" John Odell Lieu'' in the Continental Army
And the said Edward Penny being sworn saith that
the said Willson Morrison informd this deponent that he
came to America when he was child
Edward Penney
Sworn the Q*'^ of Jan: 1777
Before Zepha. Piatt
Richard Mr. Richard Southard appear'd before the Committee
Application & inform'd them that a Negroe-man who had been taken
K^o^ with Rodgers Rangers had been for the space of two
Weeks Billetted at his House that when the said Negroe
was brought there he was almost dead That his family
had been obliged to Nurse him for the space of Six weeks
That he is now able to walk about but not work much
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 89
and is destitute of cloathing and infested with Vermin
Therefore Requested that he might if possible be remov'd
from his place and a Compensation made for him for
his Care and maintenance of the said slave
Resolv'd that M'" Richard Southard lay before this Resoiuuou
Committee as account for the maintenance of the said *''''''^*'"
slave in order that an adequate compensatioii may be
made him And that he be acquainted that this Com:
will endeavour to remove the said slave as soon as
possible
Sundry affidavits respecting the Conduct of Robert G. Rob' a.
Livingston Jun : Esq. and John Mill-DoUor, taken before appre^^*^"
the Committee of Rinebeck Precinct, and by them trans-
mitted to this Committee by Lieu^ Elmindorph, were
Read. Lieu^ Elmindorph appearing before this Com-
mittee, informed them that in consiquence of the orders
rec*^ from the Com: of Rhinebeck Precinct, he had con-
veyed the said Robert G. Livingston & John Mill-Dollor
as Prisoners to this place, where he now had them under
Guard.
Order'd that Lieu* Elmondorph deliver the above
menf^ persons, to the officer of the Guard, who is hereby
directed to keep them in safe Custody
Willson Morrison appear'd before the Committee says wiisoo
he was bom in Ireland and has been three years the 17*^ S'h?^
day of June last in America And that he inlisted in Pen-
silvania in Coll. Attley's Regiment that he was taken by
the Enemy on Long Island some time in August last and
carried on board of a Prison Ship That by reason of the
ill usage he receiv'd from the Enemy and in hopes of
making his Escape by diseration he was induc'd to inlist
with the Enemy in Coll. Rodgers's Rangers. The said
Morrison was discharged by this Com : he appearing per-
fectly innocent. Cash paid £3 Ensign Edward Penney
three pounds for his, and his Mens Services, and expences
in bringing Willson Morrison who diserted from Rod-
gers's Rangers to this place
Com: adjourn'd
90 STATE OF NEW YORK
Fish-Kills Connor's Tavern Jan: the 10*^ 1777.
Present
John Jay Esq. Chairman
Zeph: Piatt Esq.
WilUam Duer Esq.
General Morris
7 doz:
Cart' to
Lieut
Bower
John De
Graff take's
the Oath
and is
discharged
Coenrad's
Deposition
agt
Coll:
Ritzema
this Com: delivered to Lieu* Jacob Bower 7 Doz, of
Cartridges for the use of his Company
John De Grove who had been sent to the State of New
Hampshire, having retum'd, and appeared before this
Committee pursuant to a Citation Issued for that pur-
pose, and having voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance
to this State, was discharged.
Elizabeth Coenradt being sworn saith that she is an
Inhabi* of the City of New York. That she well knowns
Collonel Rudolphus Ritzma and has known him for many
Years past. That on Friday last she saw the s*^ Coll.
Ritzma in the City of New York in the Street called the
Vley, & saw him there conversing with the Widow of
James Learey dec*^ who is since married with one Griffiths
that she heard her say to him How do you do Coll.
Ritzma, I am glad to see you in town And further saith
not
her
Elizabeth X Coenradt
mark
Sworn in Com^ 10*^ Jan: 1777.
Before John Jay Chairman
Col:
Ritzema
to be
appre-
hended
Order'd that Sampson Duyckman take with him such
& so many brave and discreet men as he may conceive
necessary Do forthwith apprehend the said Coll. Ru-
dolphus Ritzema who it is said is now in the County of
Westchester and bring him forthwith before this Com-
mittee for Which he the said Sampson Duyckman and
the said persons he shall take with him shall be liberally
rewarded
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 91
The Committee proceeded to take into consideration R:G:Liv-
the affidavits mentioned in the minutes of yesterday Knfto
relative to the Conduct of Coll. Robert G. Livingston gy°"
Esq.
Order'd that the said Robert G. Livingston appear
forthwith before this Committee The said Robert G.
Livingston appearing accordingly said affidavits were
read to him but he not offering to disprove the Credibility
of all of the said deponents and particularly of Jacob
Heermanse Jun: and Egbert Benson Esq, having been
requested by this Committee to declare his knowledge
of the reputation of the said several deponents inform'd
the Com: that several of them were persons of good
reputation and one of whom was Jacob Heermanse Jun:
and he did not know the Characters of some others of
the deponents
Resolv'd unanimously that the said Robert G. Liv-
ingston hath manifested a disposition very unfriendly to
the American Cause and ought not to be permitted longer
to have an oppertunity of exerting his influence to the
prejudice of his Country Therefore
Resolved that the said Robert G. Livingston be Com-
mitted to the Goal of the County of Ulster at Kingston
there to remain till such time as this Com: or the Con-
vention or future Legislature of this State shall make
further order concerning him and that the keeper of the
said Goal do receive & detain him accordingly
Order'd that Copies of the affidavits aforesaid and of
the preceeding resolution be transmitted to the Com:
of Kingston
Order'd that Cap* Bellknapp take the s*^ Rob* Gilbert
Livingston & convey him to the Goal of Ulster County
accordingly
Cap* Townsand reports that in pursuance of the order Jonathan
of this Committee he had apprehended and brought fi^%
here Stephen Lyon & Jonathan Miller who are both ^Th^^^f,
nam'd in the Affidavit of Charles Haight whom he hath Hickford
appre-
also brought with him he further reports that he also ^^""^^^
had taken James Brundage one other of the persons men-
92 STATE OF NEW YORK
tioned in the said order and affidavit and at the request
of Coll. Thomas had permitted him to go at large upon
his the said Coll. Thomas's becoming responsible for his
appearence and that he hath understood, that the said
James Brundage shortly after absconded he further
reports that he hath taken & brought before this Com-
mittee a certain Thomas Hickford of Westchester County
on whom was found a Certificate subscribed by Lieu*
Coll. Rodgers that the said Hickford had appear'd before
him and subscribed the Declaration mentioned in the last
proclamation of Lord and Gen: Howe which Certificate
Cap* Townsand now delivers to this Com: Order'd that
the said prisoners be Committed to the Custody of the
Guard
Roger Joseph Purdy of Cortlandt's Manor appearing and
Signed to offering to become responsible for the Good behaviour
his farm ^^^ appeareuce of his Brother Rodger Purdy in Case this
Com : shou'd Commit him to his Care
Resolved that the said Rodger Purdy be for the Present
Confined to the farm of the said Joseph Purdy And
that the said Joseph Purdy be responsible for the Good
behaviour of the said Rodger Purdy and for his appear-
ence before this Com: when required to which the said
Joseph Purdy hath signified his approbation by subscrib-
ing his name to this Resolution
Joseph Purdy
Ferdon A Letter was received from M"" Samuel Dodge, dated
St"i- the 6*'^ day of Jan: 1777, and directed to M"^ Duer, as
oltrom chairman to this Committee, importing that a number
ti?e'En^my of Tooes lu the Neighbourhood were preparing to Escape
to the Enemy, four of their names he had Learnt, Viz*
Abraham Ferdon, John Lawrence, John Hoghtalen Jun:
and Andrew Ostrom, and that the Witness against them
was one Jacob Van Every.
Charles Charlcs Haight appearing, and producing a Certificate
discharged f^om William Miller, Deputy Chairman of the Com: of
Westchester County, that he had taken the oath of
allegiance to this State,
Order'd that he be discharged.
COMMIITEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 93
Cap* Townsand inform'd this Com. that a certain
James Haight, who had been brought by him to this jan,e«
place, and had escaped, was now at home. f^^^^*'
Order'd that the Secre^ transmit this information to ^pp'^''^-*
William Miller Deputy Chairman of the County of
Westchester and request him to Cause the said James
Haight to be forthwith apprehended and sent to this
Com:
Joseph Gage of Charlotte Precinct in Dutches County Joseph
one of the persons sent to Exeter in the State of New- STe^oS**
hampshire on a charge of disaffection to the American Sirged
Cause appearing before this Committee and producing
a proper pass to Justify his return from that place and
having voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance to this
State
Resolv'd that the said Joseph Gage be discharged from
all obligations to return to Exeter and permitted to go
and remain at his usual place of abode
Nathaniel Sackett Esq. reported to this Com: that yrsacket'.
during his late absence he had in further prosecution of tfon™*'
the business Committed to his Charge sent Enoch Crosby
to the several persons mentioned in his last examination
delivered by M"" Sackett by this Committee that the said
Crosby obtained very useful intelligence from them which
is contain'd in his affidavit now produced to this Com:
by the said Sackett and taken by him on the 8**" day of
Jan: Inst, and in order to make the proper use of the
said intelligence he had communicated the Contents of
the said Affidavit under oaths of secrecy to Martin Corn-
well, Cap* Clarke & Cap*" Gassbeek ^ and so disposed of
and stationed Cap* Gassbeek's men as that they may
have the best oppertunity of apprehending the Company
who Crosby in his said Affidavit says intends shortly
to Join the Enemy And that he had further directed fehis"^^^'^
them after apprehending the said Company to take Roger""^
Doctor Prosser and his Brothers, Roger Cutler, Daniel Danfei
Chace, Such of the Havilands at the Oblong and Quaker- Savnaldl
hill as were fit for Service, Jonathan Akins & Elisha iklnf*"
Elisha
*See App. I, p. 420. Akins
94
STATE OF NEW YORK
M' Sackefs
Informa-
tion
Michael
Vincent
Jeremiah
Hunt David
Pettit
Goost Tyce
James
Gosling
JonaB
Cannif
Charles
Vincent
Peter Shear
returned
from New
Hampshire
without
Leave
Akins all of whom he had great reason to believe as well
from the affidavit aforesaid as from the affirmation of
Martin Comwell lately him delivered by this Com: are
deeply concem'd in promoting the designs of the Enemy
and are their principal agents in inlisting men in their
service and directing them on their way to the Enemy.
And M"" Sackett further reports that he met with two
persons by the names of Stephen Akins & Benjamin
Shearman Members of the com: of Pawlings Precinct
who gave to him an anonimous Letter found at the said
Shearman's Door and which he now delivers to the Com :
informing that a design was in agitation to take or put
to death members of the said Com : M'' Sackett further
reports to this Com: that on the 9"" Inst, he took the
affidavit of Benjamin Shearman & Stephen Akins which
he also delivers to this Committee which affidavit men-
tions intelligence which those deponents had received
of a number of Tories having purchased fire Arms of the
Mabbits and others having return'd from Exeter and
being seen on Quaker-hill and other places and of a plan
forming for apprehending the members of the Conven-
tion by a party of the light horse M^ Sackett further
reports that Martin Cornwell told him that Michael
Vincent, Jeremiah Hunt, David Pettit, Gost Tyce, James
Gosling, Jonas Canniff, Charles Vincent and Peter Shear
Jun: had return'd from Exeter M" Sackett further re-
ports that he had Taken the Affidavit of reputable person
who depos'd that a certain Nathan Barnum of New-
fairfield and then at that place had within five or six
Weeks last past conducted between two and three hun-
dred Men to the house of one Cap^ Hoyt who kept a
small Vessell in which he transported them to Long-
Island
Order'd that William Duer and Nathaniel Sackett
Esq''^ be requested and authorized to transmit this in-
formation to some discreet and well affected persons in
the Towns of New fairfield and Norwich in order that the
persons above mentioned may be apprehended
Com: adjourned
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 95
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 11*^ 1777
Present John Jay Esq. Chairman
Gen. Morris
Order'd that there paid to Cap*^ Micah Townsend the
Sum of £ 6. 18. 3 1/2 for his and his mens Services in
apprehending Jonathan Miller &c and the same was paid
accordingly
M"" Abraham Brinckerhoof of Kingston was brought
to this Committee by order to the Committee of Ulster
County and no charge against him being as yet received
from the said Committee
Order'd that he be enlarged upon his Parole to remain
within three Miles of the Stone Church in this Town
'till the further order of this Committee M'^ Brincker-
hoof appearing and giving such Parole was enlarged
accordingly
Order'd that twenty DoUors be paid to Lieu* Bower
on account
A Letf" of the 6*'' Inst was rec*^ I[s]rael Spencer Chair-
man of Com^ of Claverack informing that they had sent
Jam^ Stark a preacher to this Com^ for preaching ag* Am.
Cause, by Lieu* Martin Ray, together with their Proceed-
ings & affidavits respecting him
Jam^ Stark app^ & retracting his Errors & taking the
oath of Allegiance was discharged
Ordered that there be p** to Leu* Ray 5-18-5 for the
Services & Expences of himself & one private in bring
the s"^ Jam^ Stark to this place
Rob. Gilbert Livingston have offered to disprove all
the affidavits made ag* him & requesting to be sent to
the Com""^ at Rhinebeck for that Purpose.
Resolved that he be sent accordingly under a Guard
at his own Expence. And that the s^ Commissioners
be requested to hear such Witnesses as he may produce
to impeach or destroy the Credibility of the said De-
ponent & report their Proceedings & return the said
Robert G. Livingston to this Committee
96 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that Copies of the s*^ affidavits against the s*^
Rob* G. Livingston be sent to the s*^ Com''^ & that a Letter
be written to the Com® of Rhinebeck inform= them thereof
Moses Northrup Jun, Isaac Horton, Josias Smith,
Peter Joh^ Lawson Jun'", John Miller Jun"", Alex. Mc Koy
Emanuel Ellerbeck, John Lawson, Lodewyek Miller
Samuel Cook, & Christian Gantz, having voluntarily
inlisted with Cap'' Bunschoten & taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State
Ordered that they be discharged
Com" adj''
Fish Kills Connor's Tavern 13 Jan^ 1777
Com® met
Present
John Jay Chairman
Gen. Morris
Prisoners Cap* Van Gaasbeck & Martin Cornel brought to this
wnt jL°" Com® Charles Vincent and John Buyce whom they had
°"^*^ app*^ near Sack Riders in the Mountains. They also
produced to the Com® the Examination of the s*^ Moses
Sackrider respecting them. They were travelling thro'
about 11 oClock at Night.
ch» vin- Ch^ Vincent being ex*^ says he was going to his Father
at East Chester to fetch a horse which he had left there
about a Week ago. This his Brother Lewis Vincent who
lives at his Fathers sells salt for six shillings p"" BusheU
& the Ex* intended to have brought some with him.
That his Cousin David Heusted keeps a Boat at East
Chester Landing & keeps a Tavern & little Shop there.
And that Heusted sells pins for a Shilling a paper. That
John Buyce was going down with him to see East Ches-
ter. That Ex* intended to go by Virtue of an old Pass
from Eliab Yeomans, & that on his Telling Yeomans he
wanted to go again, & giving him to understand he
wanted another Pass, he told Ex* he had better wait, &
said he reckoned the old pass would do. That John
Buyce had no Pass.
Charles Vincent
cents Ex"
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 97
John Buyce being ex*^ saith that he lately rec*^ a Letter john Buyce
from his Wifes Uncle Joseph Emory who lives as he has ^*°
heard within ten miles of East Chester informing him
that he had salt to sell at 6/ p"" Bushell & that if Ex*
would go down he could have some. That he accordingly
set out for that Purpose with Charles Vincent. That he
had no Pass. That Elijah Youngs & Samuel Harris his
Neighbours told him he might go without a pass. That
this Ex* lives at Oswego in Dutches County
John byse
Ordered that the s*^ Charles Vincent & John Buyce be
committed to y^ Guard House
Cap*" Van Gaasbeek informs the Committee that the
Term of the Enhstm* of his Company expires tomorrow
& that in his opinion few of them can be prevailed upon
to continue longer in Service.
And whereas it is highly expedient that the Business
committed to M'" Sacket should be forthwith executed
which the Discharge of Cap* Van Gaasbeek Company
will unless their Place be supplied prevent,
Ordered that Leiut Bower with his Company forthwith
march under the Direction of Cap* Van Gaasbeek and
obey such orders as he may receive from him.
Ordered that sixty Dollars be delivered to Cap* Van
Gaasbeek for Leu* Bower on Ace*
William Sypher & Richard Fleming Van Stienbergh
two of y^ Prisoners having voluntarily taken the Oath
of Allegiance to this State & enlisted in the American
Service with Cap* Swartwout
Ordered that they be discharged
Fish Kills Connors Tavern 14 Jan^' 1777
The Com^ met
John Jay Chairman
Gen. Morris
Resolved that Cap* James Grant have Permission to
return Home for a Fortnight on his parole to return at
the Expiration of that Term
98 STATE OF NEW YORK
Samson Dyckman returned to this Com^ & reported
that he together with Lieu* John Johnson, Cap* John
Whilly & Samuel Young had taken & brought to this
Com^ Coll Rudolphus Ritzma pursuant to their order
of the 10*^ Inst.
Coll. Ritzma app^ Elizabeth Coenradt was called in the
Chairman pointing to CoU Ritzma asked her if she knew
that Gent, she [said] she did, that it was Coll Ritzma
and she declared to his face what is set forth in her afE*
relative to her seeing him in the City of New York
The wives of W"" Merrit & Moses Fowler app*^ &
petitioned that their Husbands sent to Exeter might be
permitted to return
Resolved that the s^ Persons be permitted to return
on their parole to appear forthw*" before this Com^ — This
Com® having been informed that they are will^ to become
good & faithful Subjects of this State
The Petition of Gabriel Van Order of the County of
Bergen in the Province of New Jersey was presented to
this Committee praying to be heard and the same was
read and filed
Resolved that Mary Mallenshaw & Elizabeth Coenradt
be permitted to pass to y® commanding officer at Peeks
Kills & that it be referred to the Discretion of Maj"" Gen.
Heath or y^ commanding officer at that Place either to
detain or send them to New York, whenc[e] they lately
came
Samuel Wood, Isaac Langworth, James Colvin and
Abraham William having severally taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State and inhsted in Cap* Davis's
Company were discharged from their Confinement
Com: adjoum'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern January the 15*^ 1777.
The Com: met
Present John Jay Esq'' Chairman
General Morris
A Letter was received of the 11"" Inst, from M"" Isaac
Roosevelt informing this Com: that Henry Franklin
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 99
with whom he was well acquainted was friendly to the
American Cause. That the said Henry Franklin chear-
fuUy subscribed five pounds for the Support of the Poor
of Boston.
Also a certificate was received from the said Isaac
Roosevelt certifying to this Com: that he always lookt
upon the said Henry Franklin as a friend to the American
States and to the best of his Memory that the said Henry
Franklin had sign'd the Association.
Peter R Livingston Esq" Certifies to this Com: that
Jacob Kline Serg^ in Lieu* Bower's Company, has a large
Family, and no Body to take Care of it and requests that
he may be discharged
Order'd that he be discharg'd accordingly
Thomas Fleetwood, of Cap* Seward's Company, in- Thomw
forms the Com: that he had brought here Jesse Purdy, SmS
who had deserted from Cap* Swarts Company of Militia, K"purdy
order'd to March to North Castle. The said Purdy ap-
pearing, Confess'd that he had so deserted.
Order'd that he be a committed to the oflScer of the
Guard
Whereas John Savage is a most inveterate Enemy to an order to
the American Cause, and hath a Warrant from the irvlgeto
Enemy to raise Men for their Service, and hath long Sun^
industriously aided their designs to subjugate the States "^^^^
of America.
Order'd that the said John Savage be sent to the Jail
of the County of Ulster at Kingston there to remain in
safe Custody in Irons 'till this Com: or the Convention
or future Legislature of this State shall make further
order concerning him. And that the keeper of the said
Jail receive & detain him Accordingly.
Order'd that [blank] receive the said John Savage
from the officer of the Guard and deliver him to the
Keeper of the said Goal.
The petition of John Milldollor was presented and The
1 ,1 . , ^ Petition
read this day of John
Thomas Hickford being examined saith, that he is an
Inhabitant of Harrison's Purchase. That about a fort-
100 STATE OF NEW YORK
night or three weeks ago he set out from home with
design to Visit the Enemy's Army out of mere curiosity
The Ex- That at Williams's Tavern he fell in with Rogers's
"iThomTs Rangers who put him under Guard and sent him to Coll.
Hickford j^Qggj.g ^^ Wallintines-hill That he told CoU. Rogers his
design was to go to New York That the Coll. said that
this examinent cou'd not be permitted to go there but
that if he wou'd sign the Declaration in Lord & General
Howes Proclamation mention'd he might return home
which he did and return'd accordingly. That Coll.
Rogers askt him to inlist but he refus'd
Thomas Hickford
A Resolve Resolv'd that the said Thomas Hickford be enlarged
Thomi?^ on his Parole not to go farther from this place than Caleb
sponhL Griff en's House and to appear every day before this
Com: 'till further orders The said Thomas Hickford
appearing and giving such Parole was enlarged accord-
ingly
Two Letters Two Letters from Israel Spencer Chairman of
&lr'' Claverack, one of the Eleventh & the other of 13* of
oiairman j^^ . j^^^^ ^^^^ recelved by Express, informing that there
was great reason to suspect, that a design was forming
to rescue the Prisoners at this place, containing intelli-
gence respecting John Savage, and a list of disaffected
persons, who lately absconded from their district.
A Letter ^^^o a Lcttcr from Peter van Ness, to David Van Ness
VTNesf of the 13* Inst., on the same subject.
A Letter ^^^^ ^ Lcttcr from Stephen Hogeboom, to Egbert
Ho™eboom Beusou Esq"" of the 14* Inst., on the same subject.
A Letter ^^^^ a Letter from Stephen Hogeboom to Robert Yates
ll^iw- Esq"" on the same subject of the 13* Inst,
^g g Orderd that three pounds. Eight Shillings be paid to
^derjd to Jacob Gall for six days going and returning Express from
Jacob Gall Claverack to this place and the same was paid him
accordingly
captpaui Order'd that Christopher Utman be deUvered to Cap*
f^Mibie John Paul Shott, who hath become responsible for him,
Utman
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 101
for his appearance before this Com: from day to day, fortiie
'till further orders. chn's^
John Paul Schott Capt" of Artillery
Com: adjourn'd
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 16*^ 1777.
Present/ General Morris
Coll. Ten Brook
Zep: Piatt Esq^
Jeremiah M"^ Gown being duly sworn, saith that he
lives with Coll. Ritzema as a Waiter, and has been in
his service some time. That some time the weak before
last, but on what day he cannot exactly say, but thinks
it was on Tuesday, Coll. Ritzema went on foot to Tarry
Town, that he set out a httle after ten o'clock in the
morning, and return'd a httle before twelve O'Clock the
next day, without a horse, and that the Coll. did not
appear fitigued. That the place at which Coll. Ritzema
lives, is Judged to be about thirty six miles from New
York. That the day after the great snow fell. Coll.
Ritzema went with a Sleigh and horses to Tarry Town
alone. That he set out in the morning after Breakfast
and return'd that Evening Between Seven and Eight
O'clock that his horses did not appear Tired And this
deponent further saith that Coll. Ritzema has not been
absent at any time from his Lodging excepting the times
above mentioned and an other time with his Father
when he stay'd about 6 or 8 hours within one month from
this day and likewise that this deponent has not been
absent from the Coll'^ Lodging a whole day at any time
within a month and further saith not
his
Jeremiah X M° Gown
mark
Sworn this 16*** day of January 1777
Lewis Morris
102
STATE OF NEW YORK
Lieu.
Cornell's
report that
he had
taken Abr :
Brower and
Mary
Thomas
two sus-
pected
persons
Isaac Wood and Peter Buyce having inlisted in Cap* B
Swartwouts Company as Soldiers took the oath of al-
legiance to this State
A Letter was received from Samuel Dodge of the 16""
Inst, informing that there is a Stranger at the house of
Abraham Ferdon who is inlisting men in the Enemy's
service and has promis'd to Pilot them safe all the way
and that Johannis Medler Aury Medler Thomas Lawrence
And Andries Ostrom are said to be going with him to the
Enemy
Order'd that Cap* B. Alger take to his assistance ten
Men well affected and Equipt in order to apprehend the
said persons together with Abraham Ferdon and bring
them to this Committee
Lieu* Martin Cornell appear'd before the Com:, and
says that meeting with a certain Abraham Brower, and
Mary Thomas at the foot of the mountains, and having
reason to suspect that they were disaffected, and re-
belious Subjects of this State, he did Arrest the said Abra-
ham Brower, and Examine him. That the said Abraham
Brower had on two under Waistcoats, one Waistcoat and
Coat, & an over Coat, and in a Bundle a pair of Trowsers,
and Clean Shirt, and the examinent finding no papers
upon him, and being told that he was only going to ac-
company his Sister. And the examinant upon examining
him, as to his place of abode, finding that he greatly
prevaricated, did also arrest his said Sister, who after
having riden to some distance out of sight of this
examinent had retum'd. That this examinant pro-
ceeded with the said Abraham Brower, and Mary
Thomas, to the House of Daniel Wright, and there de-
sired the said Mary Thomas to shew him her papers,
which she at first refus'd, alledging that she had no
papers. But the examinant told her that he shou'd take
Notes of what she said, and she must swear to the Truth
of it. That she thereupon confess'd that she had papers
conceal'd at her Back, which papers the examinant
caus'd to be taken from her, and doth now deliver to this
Com: That the Examinant thereupon sent the said
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 103
prisoners to this Com:, under the Care of Huff, which
prisoners are now here.
Martin Cornell
Order'd that the said Abraham Brower, be committed order to
commit
to the Custody of Cap* Bellknap. Brower"
Order'd that Lieu* Cornell Cause the Mary Thomas ordTto
to be examin'd, and Searched by M" Godwin and M"" |,\';f
Connor, or any other two discreet, and well affected per- '^''°™^^
sons, and to keep her in Safe Custody, until further order
of this Committee
A Letter from Joseph Welch of the 24*^ of December a Letter
1776 received informing this Com: in what manner he ShwJich
had dispos'd of a Number of prisoners sent under his
care
A Letter was received from Gilbert Potter of the 10*^ Gilbert
of January 1777, giving intelligence of a certain Isaac aLtter
Veales intention to recruit for the Enemy also of the
State of our friends on Long Island &c.
Committee adjourned
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 17*'^ 1777
Present John Jay Esq. Chairman
Zeph: Piatt Esq.
General Morris
The Rev*^ Doct" Graham informs this Com: that
from him
Doet:
Hendrick Lawson, and Henry Ostrom are Sick, and ought ^g^rt"?
to be remov'd. hendrick
Andries Lawson of Poghkeepsie precinct, the Father ^^^^^^
of the afores*^ Hendrick Lawson appearing, and offering being sick
to become Surety to this Com: for his appearence, (in Lawson was
. . let at large
case he shou'd recover of his present illness) before this upon his
Com : , if they will Commit him, to his Care and Custody, becoming
Order'd that the said Hendrick Lawson, be accordingly forhim^
Committed to the care and Custody of the said Andries
Lawson, And that he become bound to this Com: in
two hundred pounds, for his appearence in manner
aforesaid.
104 STATE OF NEW YORK
I hereby bind myself to John Jay Esq"" Chairman of
this Committee, in the sum of Two hundred pounds, for
the performance of the Terms above mentioned.
his
Andries X Lawson
mark
Joshua M" Joshua Carman reports that in consiquence of the
rep™^that order of this Com: of yesterday directed to Captain
t'aken'five Alger he had taken and apprehended Abraham Ferdon,
widto'be Johannis Medler, Aury Medler Thomas Lawrence and
disaffected Audries Ostrom.
Abraham Ferdon being examined saith that last Sat-
urday a Man by the name of Fowler came to his house
and remain'd at the examinants house and in the neigh-
bourhood 'till yesterday morning when he set out as he
said for the Nine Partners That this examinent has
frequently heard him intimate that if he cou'd get a
Company he thought he cou'd carry them off to the
Enemy clear of all danger That he askt this examinant
whether if the Boys in the Neighbourhood had a chance
they wou'd not probably go To which the examinant
rephed he cou'd not tell That this examinant never
made any discoveries to any members of this or any
other Com: respecting the said Fowler That this
examinant says that the said Fowler has been at the
house of Johannis Medler and this Examinant has heard
the said Medler say that he believ'd if the said Fowler
cou'd get a Company he wou'd go off
Abraham ferdon
Henry
Ostrom is
discharged
John Ostrom of Rombout precinct the Father of
Henry Ostrom appearing and offering to become security
Father's *^ *^^^ Com: for his appearanre before this Com: (in
g^^Jn^ Case he shou'd recover of his present illness) if they
for him -^iii Commit him to his Care and Custody
Order'd that the said Henry Ostrom be accordingly
committed to the Care and Custody of the said John
Ostrom and that he become bound to this Com: in two
The Exai
of John
Medler
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 105
hundred pounds for his appearance in manner aforesaid
I hereby bind myself to John Jay Esq" Chairman of
this Committee in the sum of two hundred pounds for
the performance of the Terms aforesaid
his
John X Ostrom
mark
Johannis Medler being examined saith that he knows
nothing more of a certain Fowler who kept at Abraham
Ferdon's than that the said Fowler came to the ex-
aminant's shop to have his horse shod a day or two after
New Year and stay'd at his house all Night That he
went away the next morning and the examinent has not
seen him since That this examinant did not know what
the business of the said Fowler in the Neighbourhood
was nor did he ever tell any body that he suspected what
his business was That this examinant did not ask him
where he came from or where he was going.
John Medler
Order'd that Johannis Medler Andries Ostrom and order to
Thomas Lawrence be committed to the Guard-house joiXL
Resolv'd that Abraham Ferdon be enlarged on his ^Sa^
Parole, not to go farther from this place, than three Ferdon
' ° . enlarged ob
miles from the Stone Church in Fish-kill, and to appear hisparoie
every day before this Committee, 'till further orders.
The said Abraham Ferdon appearing, and giving such
Parole, was enlarged accordingly.
Order'd that Doctor Graham be paid Nine pounds, Doctor
twelve shillings in part of his account — and the same Sv-d
was paid him accordingly ^ ^•^^•
The Reverend Johannis Ritzema being duly sworn
saith that his son Coll. Ritzema has liv'd with him about
three weeks and in all that time he has not been absent
more than a Night at a time once he was inform'd that The
he lay at Tarry Town and an other Night at John Ham- of theRer.
monds And as to the particular day mentioned in the S^^
affidavit of Elizabeth Coenradt he possitively declares
106
STATE OF NEW YORK
that his Son the said Rudolphus Ritzema did Dine with
him on that very day and to the best of his remembrance
was not out that Night And this deponent further Saith
that there was no one day within these three weeks last
past but that the said Rudolphus Ritzma took some meal
in his house either Breakfast, dinner or Supper and
further saith not
J. Ritzema
Sworn this 17*^ day of January 1777
before me
Lewis Morris
AuryMed- Aury Medler is permitted to go home upon his Parole
pwofe '^ to return on Monday next
Com: adjoum'd
Comm: met
Connors Tavern Fish-kill Jan: the 18"" 1777
Present John Jay Esq. Chairman
Zep: Piatt Esq.
Gen: Morris
Evidence
agt
Thomas
Dayley
&c.
The Oom-
&c. return
their pro-
ceedings
respK
Roberto
Livingston
Jtm:
Resolves
upon the
proceedings
of the Com-
missioners
respecting
M' Liv-
ingston
Cap^ Bellknap informs this Com: that James Luckey
is an Evidence against Thomas Dayley, David Ockerman
and Elizabeth Swartwout against John Perdon Jun:
Peter A Lawson against Zacharious Perdon
Egbert Benson Esq. and others Commissioners for
Executing certain Resolutions of the Convention re-
specting the Militia of Rhinebeck to whom the Case of
Robert G Livingston Jun: was referred by this Com:
retum'd their proceedings thereon and divers affidavits
relative to the same to this Com: together with the said
Robert G. Livingston Jun :
The Com: proceeded to take the said proceedings and
Affidavits into Consideration and thereupon
Resolved that altho' the said Robert G. Livingston
Jun: hath had the most full and fair oppertunity agree-
able to his request & solicitation to disprove the several
matters wherewith he stood charg'd before the Com: of
Rhinebeck and of impeach^ the Credibility of the several
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 107
Witnesses that deposed against him yet that it appears
to this Com: from a Candid Examination of the several
Afl&davits taken before and returned by the said Com-
missioners that the said Robert G. Livingston Jun : hath
materially fail'd therein and that his Conversation and
Conduct at the time the Militia of Rhinebeck were
order'd to March was not only highly imprudent but un-
friendly to the American Cause But inasmuch as the
said Robert G. Livingston Jun : had theretofore uniformly
manifested a becoming Zeal in support of the Liberties
of his Country and still warmly asserts that he is de-
termin'd to support our Cause and is willing to give to
this Com : the highest Evidence of his Sincerity by taking
the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Order'd that the said Robert G. Livingston Jun: be
reprimanded and on his taking the Oath of Allegiance
aforesaid be discharged. The said Robert G Livingston
Jun : appearing and having taken the Oath of Allegiance
was discharged accordingly
Orderd that Copies of the aforegoing resolution &
order be transmitted to the Com: of Rhinebeck and the
Commissioners aforesaid
Benjamin Chace and Griffin Marcey two of the Pris- Benjamin
oners sent to Exeter appear'd before this Com : and pro- Grfff^n^"**
duced Permits from the Honorable Meshech Weare Esq. Ke ^^'^
President of the State of New Hampshire to pass to this senftT^
State and return to Exeter within Fifty days & the said mittedtf'
Benjamin Chace being one of the People called Quakers fhts^sLte
having Voluntarily taken a Solemn Affirmation of *"•
Allegiance to this State
Resolv'd that he be permitted to go and remain at his
home in Pawlings Precinct in Dutches County and be
restor'd to all the Rights and privileges of a subject of
this State and friend to the American Cause ^
The said Griffen Marcey desiring further time for onflen
taking the oath of Allegiance Kfme
Resolv'd that he withdraw and have time to consider t^s^a^
of it as long as he pleases Z\nt!L^^
, ^ , , ^ the oath of
Cf. App. I, p. 421. allegiance
108 STATE OF NEW YORK
Henry It appearing to this Com: as well in the Letters of
Letter"'*'' Heniy Holland Esq"" as from the Examination of James
johfAyck- Carter and [blank] Martin that John Ryckman hath
""" been ever friendly to the American Cause and is innocent
of the charge brought against him
Resolved that he be discharg'd
Coll. Field It appearing to this Committee from the Letter of
Lette? Coll. Field that the several Letters from Long Island
ttis^m^ enclosing the Proclamation of Lord and Gen: Howe and
iitte^* brought to this place by Henry Franklin were delivered
g°Ji?" to him on the Way and not brought by him from Long
were'Sven Islaud Aud it also appearing from the Certificate of
by him on igaac aud Nicholas Roosevelt that the said Henry Frank-
the way . "^
lin is reputed Friendly to the American Cause
Order'd that he be discharg'd
Lieu* Prentice Bowen being duly sworn saith that he
hath for several years known Gabriel Van Orden of New
Barbadoes Precinct in the State of New Jersey and hath
always considered him as a friend to the American Cause
and hath lately heard the same character of him from
several of his Neighbours and further saith not
c. XT- • 1 oth J s Prentice Bowen
Sworn this 18*^ day of
January 1777.
John Jay
The said Gabriel Van orden having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to the State of New Jersey was
discharg'd
Coll. Philip Van Cortlandt being sworn saith that he
was last week at Philadelphia, and being in Company
there with several Gentlemen he heard one of them
(whose Name this Dep* does not remember) say that he
had seen a Gentleman (this Dep* thinks) an ofi&cer) who
had lately come from New York & who told him that he
had seen Henry G. Livingston & Coll Ritzma in the City
of New York And further this Dep* saith not
c, • /^ e Philip Cortlandt
bworn m Com®
John Jay Chairman
Committee adjourned
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 109
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 20*^ 1777
Present John Jay Esq"" Chairman
Zeph : Piatt Esq^
General Morris
Matthew Patterson being duly sworn, deposeth and
saith, that on Wednesday the 15^*" day of this Inst., one
Cap^ John Mills came to the house of this deponent,
and askt for entertainment. That after he convers'd
with this deponent same time, he told him that there
were two or three young men that were clean, that were
coming on behind, that wanted entertainment as well as
he. That the said young men, did soon after come to
the house of this deponent, and the said Mills was ex-
tremely Cautius how he convers'd with the said Men in
Publick, and this deponent further saith, that when any
Travellers came to the house, the said three persons
always endeavoured to get into some other apartment.
That they call'd for their reckoning that night, saying
they wanted to set off early in the morning. That the
next morning they paid the Reckoning in old York
money, and instead of going away as this deponent ex-
pected, they loitered about the house the whole day,
without assigning any reason for it, and were frequently
Whispering with each other out of Doors. That they
staid at this deponent's house the next night also, that
the next morning, John M'^ Clean one of the said three
persons complain'd that he had been Robb'd in the night
of his Pocket-book, and one hundred and twenty odd
pounds, and insisted that this deponent shou'd make
good the loss, and that he wou'd have it before he left
the house. That this deponent consider'd it as a mere
trick, to extort money from him, and the more so as the
said John M'^ Clean went privately into an apartment
where this deponent's maids lodged under pretence to
look for the said Pocket book and money and examined
their chests That this deponent told him that the hider
was the best finder & that he had reason to believe he was
110 STATE OF NEW YORK
an Enemy to this Country And that this deponent in
the presence of the Committee permitted them to make
thorough Search throughout this deponent's house &
Barn That this deponent Caused the said John M*"
Clean and the other two persons to be taken into Custody
and carried before the Com: of Fredericksburgh That
the said Captain Mills told this deponent that he had
been in Scotland Eight months ago And further said
all the people there are against you since Independence
was declar'd and further this deponent saith not
Mathew Paterson
Sworn in Committee
John Jay
General Morris delivered to the Committee, a Letter
from Reuben Ferris, Chairman of Frederickburgh, in-
forming that he had sent James Moore, John Duffie and
John M'' Clean as suspicious persons, under Guard to this
Com: And also Captain John Mills on his Parole.
General Morris informs the Com : , that he received the
said Letter yesterday from Capt. Joshua Barnham, who
came with the said prisoners, and that he committed
them to the Guard-house.
Order'd that they be forthwith brought before this
Committee.
The Committee of Fredericksburgh, in their said Letter
inform'd this Com:, that their meeting on this occasion
was a special one, and applied to this Committee for the
payment of their expences, which amount to five pounds.
Resolv'd that the said charge is unpresidented, and
that this Committee is not Authorized to pay the same.
General Morris delivered to the Com: a Letter from
William Duer and Nathaniel Sackett Esq'"" of the 16'^
Inst, informing the Com: that they had sent five pris-
oners three of whom are prisoners of State to wit Neu-
berry Fowler Francis Hageman and Samuel Baker And
two prisoners of Warr to wit a Hessian and Moses Knapp
And that he had sent them all to the Guard-house ex-
cepting the Hessian
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES m
The Com: of Safety by their order of this day, referr
to this Com: a Letter they had received from Lewis
M*= Donald Chairman of Bedford, informing them that
he had sent under Guard four prisoners, to wit Obediah
Ekeley, and Obijah Miller, charg'd with notorious and
avow'd disaffection and Noah Brown and Josiah Disbury
who has inlisted in Coll Rogers's Rangers in consiquence
of an order from William Duer and Nathaniel Sacket
Esq"^
Lieu^ Zephaniah Mills appeared and inform'd this
Com : that he had been employ'd by Lewis M° Donald
to bring the aforesaid prisoners to this Com: which he
had accordingly done except Obijah Miller who had
excap'd.
He further inform'd the Com: that he had also by
Order of the said Lewis M" Donald brought to this Com:
a certain James Miller but knows not the particular
charges against him
Order'd that the said Prisoners be committed to the
Guard-house.
The Com: of Safety by their order of this Day referr'd
to this Com: a Letter of the 16^^ Inst, informing that
he had sent James Miller to them together with the
Evidence against him contain'd in the said Letter
A Letter of the 16^^ Inst, was received from James
Hunter of Shawangonk informing that there was a great
resort of people from the Mohawk River to Wilementon
and said to Carry Letters to, and from Lady Johnson
Order'd that the said Letter be immediately referr'd
to the Com : of Safety ^
A Letter was received from Jacobus Hawsbrook Clerk
of the Com: of Kingston of the 18**" Inst, informing that
they had sent Thomas Ten Eyck Peter Mesier and
Lamountis Noe to this Com: on a charge that the said
Noe had lately come from New York and had brought
with him from Edmond Simmon of that City a Sum of
money to the said Ten Eyck and Mesier with Instruc-
tions how to dispose of the same.
•Cf. Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 777, 780; Cal. Rev. MSS., 1, 617-618.
112 STATE OF NEW YORK
Egbert Dumond Esq'' informs this Com: that he
brought the said Lamountus Noe here and that the said
Ten Eyck and Mesier are on their way
M'" Dumond delivered to the Com: two papers one of
which contains instructions aforesaid brought by the said
Noah and taken from hun the other a Manuscript adver-
tisement of Goods to be sold by the said Edmond Simmon
in New York
M"" Dumond also delivered to this Com: two hundred
and seventy nine pounds nineteen shillings and two pence
being the money taken from the said Noe
M" Dumon produced to the Com: an account of Ex-
pences defrayed by the Com: of Kingston in apprehend-
ing the said persons amounting to Eight pounds Six
Shillings and Six pence
Order'd that the same be paid out of the monies afore-
said together with fourteen Shillings in part of his ex-
pences to Coenradt C. Elmondorph
Joar Cock and Robert Wright appearing and having
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance were discharg'd
Thomas Gardner appearmg before this Committee &
having Voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance was
discharg'd
John Sniffen appearing, is enlarged on his Parole, not
to go further from this place, than three miles, and to
appear every day before this Committee, 'till further
orders.
Cap* John Mills appearing before this Committee it is
order'd that he be enlarged on his parole not to go further
than three Miles from the Stone Church in Fish -kill and
to appear every day before this Com: till further orders.
Committee adjourn'd
Com: met
Fish-kill Connor's Tavern Jan: the 2P* 1777
Present John Jay Esq'^ Chairman
General Morris
Zeph : Piatt Esq^
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 113
Resolv'd that Lieu* John Johnson be requested to mus-
ter Captain Myrick's Men and that he make return
thereof to this Com :
Coll. Rudolphus Ritzema, appearing before this Com : ,
it is order'd that he be enlarged on his Parole, not to go
further than three Miles from the Stone Church in Fish-
kill, and to appear every day before this Com:, 'till
further orders.
Whereas it has been represented to this Com:, that
Matthew Leyster, Epheraim Wheeler, and Coenradt
Smith who were lately remov'd from this State to Exeter
in the State of New hampshire for disaffection to the
American Cause hath manifested a disposition to return
to their allegiance and become good subjets to this State
Resolv'd that the said persons be permitted to return
from Exeter accordingly on their Parole to appear forth-
with before this Committee
Order'd that a Copy of the aforegoing resolution be
Transmitted to the General Court of the State of New
hampshire and that they be requested to take their
paroles and to permit them to return accordingly
Whereas no charge or accusation hath been received
by this Committee against Abraham Brinckerhoff from
the Committee of Ulster County by whom he was sent
here on the Eleventh day of Jan: Inst: And Whereas
the said Abraham Brinckerhoff, hath Voluntarily taken
the oath of Allegiance to this State; and hath given his
parole of Honour to appear before this Com: when re-
quired ; and to pay the expences of the Express, who may
be sent for him.
Order'd that he be permitted to return home.
John Sniffen appearing and having Voluntarily taken
the oath of allegiance order'd that he be discharg'd
Lodowick Miller appearing and having Voluntarily
taken the oath of allegiance to this State
Order'd that he be discharged
Whereas it has been represented to this Com: that
Jonas De Long who was lately remov'd from this State
to Worcester Goal in the Massachusets-Bay-State for
114 STATE OF NEW YORK
disaffection to the American Cause hath Manifested a
disposition to return to his Allegiance & become a good
subject to this State
Resolv'd that the said Jonas De Long be permitted
to Return from Worcester accordingly on his parole to
appear forthwith before this Committee
Order'd that a Copy of the aforegoing resolution be
Transmitted to the Committee or Select men of the Town
of Worcester in the Massec[h]usets-Bay-State and that
they be requested to take his parole and to permit him
to return accordingly
Ensign Cregier one of the ofl&cers of the Guard de-
livered to the Committee an order from Nathan Pierce
Chairman of Pawlings precinct directed to the Cap* of
the Guard at this place to receive into his Custody
Gersham Wing a disaffected dangerous person and also
John Tobby a disaffected person who has refus'd Con-
tinental money and also one Francis Carlisle an open
Enemy to the Cause
Ensign Cregier informs ths Committee that the said
persons are now in Custody
Ensign Cregier further informs the Committee that
Coll. Livingston had committed to the Guard-house a
certain William Cain but for what Cause he knows not
A Petition to the Convention, and by them referred
to this Com : , from divers persons prisoners in Springfield
Jail, to wit from John Johnson, Moses Miller, Solomon
Horton, Samuel Willson Nathaniel Adams, Rynier van
House, & Henry Dawkins was read praying that they
may be sent for and Tried
Resolv'd that when proper Courts of Judicature shall
be Established in this State for the Trial of offences
against the same the above mentioned petitioners and
all others in the like predicament with them will receive
a fair & impartial Trial for the several misdemeanours
with which they respectively stand charg'd and that in
the mean time no greater Liberty be allow'd them than
what humanity may require
Henry Miller and Aaron Medler appearing and hav'
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 115
Voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance to this State
were discharg'd
Lemountis Noe being duly sworn saith that he lives as a
Clerk with Nicholas De Peyster at Pyramus That last
Saturday a fortnight he set out from thence to the City
of New York with M'' De Peyster's consent to see his
Mother and Sister That in the City of New York he
saw Edmond Simmonds who told this deponent that he
had heard that Coll. Ritzema and Henry G. Livingston
were in Town That when this deponent was about com-
ing away the said Simmonds desir'd this deponent to go
to Esopus and deliver some money to Thomas Ten Eyck
or in his absence to Peter Mesier for him saying he wou'd
pay him for his trouble That to this the deponent agreed
and accordingly received from the said Simmonds about
two hundred and Eighty pounds to be delivered as afore-
said together with a paper containing instructions to the
said Ten Eyck in what manner to dispose of the said
money And that the paper markt A. now shewn to him
is the same. That on his return from the City of New
York to PjT^amus he inform'd M"" Depeyster of the busi-
ness he had undertaken to do for the said Edmond Sim-
monds and he believes he shew'd M'" Depeyster the paper
of Instructions aforesaid That he askt M'" Depeyster
whether he was willing to let this deponent go to Esopus
upon the business aforesaid and whether he wou'd let him
have his horse for that purpose to both of which M""
Depeyster consented That when this deponent came to
Esopus he was brought before the Committee of that
place to whom he related the facts aforesaid respecting
the design of his Journey there and was by them sent to
this Committee and further this deponent saith Not
Lemountis Noe
Sworn in Committee this
2PMayof Jan: 1777
John Jay
John Duffie and James Moore having on Oath re-
nounc'd all allegiance to the King of Great Britain and
116 STATE OF NEW YORK
Sworn to support the measures of the Congress and in-
listed with Cap* Grigg in the Continental Service
Order'd that they be discharg'd
An order was received from the Committee of Safety
of this day referring the account of Cap* Thomas Steb-
ings for apprehending sundry prisoners sent from this
State to Spring-field Goal who had made their escape
from thence to this Committee to be Audited and paid
Order'd that the account of the said Captain Stebings
amounting to twelve pounds, ten shilUngs and Eight
pence be paid, and the same was paid him accordingly.
Lemountis Noe appearing to this Committee to be an
inexperienced Lad and he having voluntarily taken the
oath of Allegiance to this State
Order'd that he be discharg'd
Lieu* Nathaniel Potter by order of the Com: of New
marlborough brought to this Com: Philip Caverly and
Daniel Knolton
Nathaniel Hull and Samuel Edmonds two members of
the Committee aforesaid appear'd and delivered to this
Com: certain affidavits taken before their Com: against
the said Daniel Knolton and Philip Caverly from which
it appears that the said prisoners are Notoriously dis-
affected to the American Cause
Order'd that the said prisoners be committed to the
Guard-house.
The said Gent, further inform this Com: that they
had apprehended Israel Tuttle who is now on the way to
this Com: and they delivered to this Com: an affidavit
of Melesant Hall from which it appears that the said
Israel Tuttle is an insolent Enemy to the American
Cause.
Com: adjourn'd
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES
117
Cash paid Corn^ C. Schoon-
maker
Cash p** Isaac Smith & Dan.
Smith
Cash p'^ Isaac V. Wyck
Cash p*^ Peter Heermansen &
Rob^ Willson
Cash p*^* Cap. Menie & Ensign
Baldwin 2'^ Charge Cost . . .
Cash p*^ W"^ B. Alger
Cash p"^ Lieu*- Townsand
Cash p*^ Theodorus Van Wyck
Jun :
Cash given to William Russell
and W" Brown two Seaman
to bear their expences to
Poghkeepsie
P^ Thom^ Pettit— Ballance
Cash paid Isaac Everit . . .
Cash p*^ Elnathan Gregory.
Cash p'^ Lieut*' Furman . . .
Cash p*^ Cap^ Silas Purdy .
Cash p*^ M" Joshua Carman
Cash p'* Wood, Bacchus,
Sheppard and Hudson as a
Gratuit}^
Cash paid Adial Sherwood for
his expences in detecting
Tories
Cash paid M"" Oliver Bailey
for his Extraordinary Vigi-
lance in detecting Tories . . .
Cash paid George Van Noor-
strandt for Manicles
Cash lent Lieu^ Jacob Bower
40 Doir^
Cash paid Ensign Edward
Penney
orders
1. 4.0 1 Jan^ 1776
[sic for 1777]
2 1 Jan^ 1777
0.12.1 2JanM777
2. 8.0-
7.12.0-
21. 6.0-
-2 Jan'' 1777
1.14.6 2 Jan. 1777
-2 Jan. 1777
-3 Jan: 1777
>- 0.16.0 3 Jan 1777
[ 0.16.0 3 Jan -.1777
3. 7.2 4 Jan 1777
3. 9.0 4 Jan. 1777
3. 9.0 4 Jan. 1777
0:6:0 4Jan^ 1777
13.17.6 4 Jan. 1777
2.17.8 4 Jan. 1777
3. 4.0 4 Jan. 1777
17. 4.0 6. Jan: 1777
6. 8.0 7. Jan: 1777
6.18.0 8.Jan. 1777
16. 0.0 9.Jan:1777
3. 0.0 9. Jan: 1777
118
STATE OF NEW YORK
NB. these
are Ent«
in the next
Book
}'-
orders
Cash paid Captain Micah ] ^.001/ 1-1 t -i^.^^
TowLnd . . ^ 6.18.3iA-ll.Jan: 1777
Cash Paid Lieu* Bower on
account
Cash p"^ Leu* Ray
Cash p** Cap* Van Gaasbeek
for Leu* Bower on ace* 60 ^24, 0.(
DoU^^ J
Cash paid Jacob Gall for Rid- 1
ing Express j
Cash paid Docter Graham on
account
Cash paid Egbert Dumond 1
the Committee of King- [ 8. 6.6— Jan : the 20. 1777.
ston J
D° 14.0 D°
Cash paid Cap* Joshua
0.0 1 I.Jan. 1777
5.18.5 llJan. 1777
-IS.Jan. 1777
3. 8.0 15.Jan. 1777
I 9.12,
0 17: Jan: 17 [77]
Barnum for bringing
three prisoners from
Fredericksburgh
Cash paid Lieu* Samuel
Willson
Cash paid Cap* Petrus
Van Gaasbeek
D°
y 4.15.0— Jan:
20. 1777.
1.12.0— Jan: 20. 1777.
1- 7. 9.0— Jan:
M.15.0— Jan:
20. 1777.
20. 1777.
Cash paid Corp' Thomas 1 12.10.8-Jan: — 21. 1777.
Stibmgs J
'[Cash paid Cap^ Joshua] ^^^ 0.0-Jan: — 22. 1777.]
Mynck J
[Cash paid to M' Sampson] ^ ^^ g—Jan ■ 22 1777 1
Duyckman J
[Ca^h paid to David Lyons 2. 8.0— Jan: 25. 1777.]
[End of Section A No. 3 of the manuscript.]
' For itemized bill see App. II, pp. 452-453.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES HQ
Henry G. Livingston's Deposition ^
State of New York, ss.
In Committee, for enquiring into, detecting
and Defeating all Conspiracies which may be
formed in this State against the Liberties
of America. Fish Kill, February 15'^ 1777.
Henry G. Livingston being Sworn, saith that about
the middle of December last, this Deponent went to
Connecticut that he there fell in Company with Hugh
Wallace, Esq., that the said Wallace told him that this
Country would soon be conquer^ and that less than a
month General Washington's Army would be Dispersed,
and that the sooner this Deponent took the Benefit of
Lord and General Howes proclamation the better, and
advised him to go to New York to see how things were
circumstanced, and if he was so inclined, might come
out again without interruption, and that he would give
this Deponent a Letter of Recommendation to Captain
Wallace and Captain Parker of the Navy. That he
accordingly gave this Deponent such a Letter with which
he set out for New York and arrived there on or about
the Twenty fifth day of December last, but never de-
livered the said Letters, that after having been two days
in Town he waited on General Robinson and subscribed
a Declaration mentioned in Lord and General Howes
Proclamation in pursuance of the advice of a friend who
informed him that the Enemy were informed of his being
in Town and suspected his being a Spy. That the day
after this Deponent not being pleased with his situation,
attempted to Escape by the way of Kings Bridge where
he was stopped by the Hessian Guard. That he returned
to the City and lodged for three or four days at the
"Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 669-671. Cf. Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 863.
120 STATE OF NEW YORK
widow Hamilton's, in which house a Scotch Gentleman
of the name of Barclay also lodged. That this Deponent
formed an intimate acquaintance with this Grentleman
and frequently after had had Confidential Conversations
with him. That in the Course of these Conversations
the said Barclay informed this Deponent that two mem-
bers of the Convention of this State would in less than
a month be in Town and that the Enemy were constantly
acquainted with every thing that passed in the said Con-
vention, That this Deponent thereupon expressed great
doubts respecting the truth of the said facts, whereupon
the said Barclay swore by God that they were true. That
this Deponent asked him the names of these two mem-
bers, to which the said Barclay answered that one of
them was called Roosevelt, and gave this Deponent to
understand that he did know the name of the other. That
M"" Peter Stuyvesandt has also told this Deponent that
M"" Isaac Roosevelt wou'd come to Town as soon as he
conveniently cou'd and that Lettei^ had been Written
to the said Roosevelt for that purpose. That the said
Barclay further informed this Deponant that by means
of their Emisaries they were informed of every thing
that passed among us and that Women were the most
proper persons for that purpose. That Great Britain
had made a Contract with the Empress of Russia for
Eighteen Thousand five hundred Russians and that Gen-
eral Clinton was gone over to take the Command of
them and that they were Destined for Boston. That as
soon as the Ground should be fit for travelling General
Howe would march to Philadelphia and after securing
that place wou'd bend his Course to Hudson's River and
attack the forts there by Land and from thence pass up
the River in flat Bottomed Boats and form a junction
with the Army from Canada and that the two armies so
joined wou'd then invade the New England States. That
this Deponant was informed by several persons of Credit
in the City that a great number of flat Bottomed Boats
were Building there and that they were designed for the
Delaware. That this Deponent took great pains to in-
CX)MMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 121
form himself of the number of troops on York Island and
that partly from the Information of the said Barclay and
one Lieu*^ Collonel Woolsey of the Canadian mihtia and
his own observations he has great Reason to beheve that
the following was a true State of the British Army on
York Island at the time this Deponant left it which was
on Sunday the Ninth instant to wit,
In the City and Bowry, . . .
2,500 — mostly Hessians.
At Harlem 64*^ & another Regt,
800— under Gen. Ag-
new.
at and about fort Washington,
1,200 — Hessians under
Gen. Kniphauss.
at and about Kingsbridge, . .
180— lately under
Rodgers; now
under Major
French.
Do
50 — Tories under
Cap* CampbeU.
Do
20 — Negroes.
Do
60— Light horse.
4,810
That this Deponant was also informed by the said
Barclay, Lieut Collonel Woolsey, M"^ Bell a Clerk
in General Howes office, and others that the British
Army then in Jersey at or about the time of the Battle
at Trentown Consisted of about Thirteen Thousand men.
That about ten day or a fortnight ago a number of
troops from Rhode Island Consisting of a Regiment of
Hessians and a Brigade of grenadiers and light Infantry
amounting in the whole to about three thousand passed
through the East River on their way to Amboy and that
he obtain'd this intelligence from the said Barclay, Bell
and Woolsey and others that it was generally reported
and believed in the City that General Burgoine was gone
home. That this Deponant did not learn that any more
British or Irish troops were expected but that Recruiting
122 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ofi&cers from the Royal Irish Regiment had sailed for
Ireland. That this Deponant inquired of the said Bar-
clay and others whether an attack wou'd be made this
Winter on Ticonderoga and was given to understand
that nothing wou'd be done there till Spring but that the
Indians wou'd then be let loose. This Deponant further
saith that he was inform'd by the said Barclay and others
that two Companies were Station'd at Powles Hook and
the Brigades of General Delancey and Governor Brown
on Long Island and that those two Brigades did not
together amount to one thousand men and that this De-
ponant had heard the said Barclay frequently say that
he did not believe that there were more than a thousand
Americans in the British Service. That this Deponant
was informed from good authority and has no Doubt of
its being true that Governor Franklin is employ'd by the
Enemy to grant protections and pardons in Connecticut
and that a very great number of the Inhabitants of that
State had accepted them and further that one Shacler
in Middletown held a Correspondence with Miles Sher-
brook which Information this Deponant receiv'd from
the said Sherbrook's Clerk. This Deponant further says
that one Shaw an Irish man from or near Morris Town
in New Jersey who said he knew Treasurer Lott told this
Deponant that he had a Captain's Commission to raise
a Company in the Enemies Service and that he expected
to pass unsuspected as he had a Brother an Ofl&cer in
the American Service with General Washington. That
John Bayard as this Deponant was informed was a Lieut
CoUonel in a Regiment to be raised in America and that
he expected to receive a hundred and Seventy Recruits
who were to meet him at Hobooken and that he had gone
there to receive them and after waiting four or five days
Returned without them they not being able to get down
by reason of some American troops, stationed in that
Neighbourhood. That this Deponant has heard from a
person of veracity whose name he wishes to conceal as
he is a good friend to the American Cause, that Stephen
Rapelye had served as Pilot for the Enemy on Long
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 123
Island, and that he was gone from the City of New York
towards Esopus with a large sum of money and that the
said person looked upon him to be a Tory. And this
Deponant further saith that the Enemies Ofl&cers and
others with whom he has convers'd frequently say that a
General disaffection prevails throughout America, but
that the Southern people were more unanimous in sup-
porting the measures of Congress than the Eastern and
that they hold the Eastern Troops in the most Sovereign
Contempt: That they were much surprised at the Exer-
tion of this State against them and are particularly and
greatly incensed against this Committee for the manner
in which they have treated the friends of Government
in this State. And this Deponent further says that M""
Barclay herein before mentioned was formerly an In-
habitant of the City of Philadelphia that he is very
intimate with Lord and General Howe and appears to
have great influence with them. That when this De-
ponent left New York Beef was sold as he heard for
Eighteen Pence a pound, Butter for four Shillings
£5 p^ Cord.
9s per hundred weight.
not to be had.
10s
Is 6d per pound
2s per head.
Is per Quart.
32s per hundred.
Wood, for, .
Salt hay,
Fresh hay, .
A Turkey, .
Mutton & Veal
Cabbage,
Milk, . .
Damaged Flour
No Wheat, Indian Com, or Oats to be sold.
And this Deponent further saith that Hugh Wallace
Esquire, James Jauncey, Jun two members of the Coun-
cil, & Thomas Jones one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court who had been sent to Connecticut were in the
City of New York as this Deponent understood by per-
mission of Governor Trumble; that this Deponent was
credibly informed that Beverly Robinson Jun had lately
been to the City of New York. That Cornelius Clopper
124 STATE OF NEW YORK
was also there, and had been Closeted by General Howe,
also John Seabring, Isaac Low, John A. Remson, Joseph
Hallet, three Sons of John Beekman deceased Viz* James,
Thomas, and Gerardus Beekman, Lawrence Kortwright,
Isaac and Nicholas Ogden of New Jersey. That this
Deponent has never heard that Coll Ritzma had been
in the City of New York till this Deponent came out
of it and does not believe that he has been there since
it was in the possession of the Enemy. That many of
the Inhabitants of the said City are much discontented
with the enemy; that Stephen Delancy Jun is Lieut
CoUonel of his Father General Delancy's Regiment;
that S"" John Johnson is in the City of New York and
that Lady Johnson had lately made her Escape to that
place & brought a copy of General Washington's procla-
mation with her of which no secret was made; that
Stephen Watts is a Captain in the Regiment of Royal
Emigrants and that John Watts Jun'^ wore a cockade.
That CoUonel Rogers had been broke for fraud. That
this Deponent heard the said Barclay and Woolsey and
several British Soldiers Damn the Hessians and say they
could have done better without them. That the Hessians
wou'd be remov'd to New York and kept there untHl the
opening of the Campaign. That this Deponent has heard
and believes that the Enemies Army in Jersey Remains
under the Command of Lord Cornwallis & that General
Howe has been lately sick and remains in New York.
That a great number of Horses lay Dead on York Island ;
that a multitude of Carts were in constant employ in
the City and that the horses are very poor and out of
Order as this Deponent supposes for want of Forage.
That General Lee was confined in the City Hall
Guarded by an Officer and fifty men but in other respects
well treated as this Deponent miderstood. And this
Deponent further saith that the prisoners taken by the
Enemy are most cruelly and Inhumanly treated, confined
in Churches without fire, and Dying in great Numbers.
That they spoke very Disrespectfully of all the Ameri-
can Generals excepting General Mercer.
COMMITTEE FOR CONSPIRACIES 125
That Governor Tryon had given orders for all the
Inhabitants of the City & County of New York to appear
and take the Oath of Allegiance to the King of Great
Britain; that this Deponent did not appear or take it
but after various attempts effected his escape in a Boat
from Harlem to the Jersey shore from whence he repaired
to General George Clinton's Quarters and before him
took an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of
America agreable to the directions of General Washing-
ton's proclamation. A Certificate of which under the
hand of General Chnton he now produces to this Com-
mittee by which it appears that he had in all things
complied with the terms in the said proclamation. And
further this Deponent saith not.
H. G. Livingston.
Sworn in Commite the 15*^ day of February 1777.
A true copy from the Minutes,
Henry Peckwell, Secry.
MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS
FROM FEB^ 15^^ to MARCH 8^^ 1777
5. NM
Egbert Benson 1
Jacobus Swartwout ICom^"^ of Conspiracy
Melancton Smith J
In Convention of the Representatives for tne
State of New York.
Fish Kill February IV^ 17V 7
WHEREAS the many Important Affairs now before
Convention will require the Advice & Assistance of all
it's members
RESOLVED therefore that the Committee for enquir-
ing into detecting & defeating all Conspiracies which may
be formed in this State against the Liberties of America
be dissolved on or before the twenty seventh day of this
Instant That Egbert Benson Jacobus Swartwout &
Melancton Smith Esquires be appointed Commissioners
for enquiring into detecting & defeating all Conspiracies
which may be formed in this State against the Liberties
of America That they shall respectively be allowed
twelve shillings for every Day they shall serve in the
said Trust. That the before mentioned Committee pre-
pare the Draft of a Commission & Instructions for the
said Commissioners & report the same with all conven-
ient Speed.
Extract from the Minutes,
John Mc Kesson, Secry.^
[On the back of this page, otherwise blank, is the endorsement:]
Commissioiiers
appointed for detecting conspiracies
form'd in the State of New York
against the Liberties of America
1777
^Cf. Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 803.
128
At a Meeting of the Conunissioners appointed
by Resolution of the Convention of the State
of New York of the IV^ Inst^ for enquiring
into detecting and defeating all Conspiracies
which may be formed in the said State against
the Liberties of America held at the House of
Hugh Conner at Fish Kill, Feb^ 15*^ 1777.
Present.
M'' Benson
M"^ Swartwout
M'- Smith
Whereas it is directed by the above Resolution that
the Committee for enquiring into detecting and defeating
all Conspiracies which may be formed in this State
against the Liberties of America should prepare and re-
port a Draft of a Commission & Instructions for this
Board and said Commission and Instructions not being
as yet prepared and the said Committee urgi[ng] this
Board to proceed to Business notwithstanding as they
proposed to adjourn this day and thought it Improbable
that they would meet again and three Members thereof
viz* Mess'^ Jay Sacket & Graham pledging themselves
to this Board that their Proceedings should be ratified by
Convention provided they exercised no. greater Powers
and Authorities than had been exercised by the said
Committee and it appearing absolutely necessary that
some Persons should immediately take upon them the
management of the Business heretofore conducted by the
said Committee,
Resolved therefore that in consequence of the En-
gagement from the above three Gentlemen and from the
absolute Necessity of the Case, this Boar[d] will imme-
diately proceed to Business and in their Proceedings will
exercise their best Judge [ment] and Discretion until such
130
STATE OF NEW YORK
Commission and Instructions can be obtained So how-
ever as no[t] to exercise any greater Power or Authori-
ties than the said Committee are vested with by the Reso-
lutions of Convention appointing them.
Board adjourned to Monday Mor^ next.
Monday Feb^ 17*^^ 1777.
Board met pursuant to Adjoumm*
Present
All the Members.
Gilbert
Bedells Ex-
amination
ag. Thomas
Carman
Gilbert Bedell at present residing at Jose[ph] Patch-
ing's in Rumbout Precinct being duly sworn deposeth
and saith, that he was lately in company with Thomas
Carman of the said Precinct shortly after the said Car-
man was released from his late Confinement (as the
Deponent understood) that the said Carman then ex-
claimed against the Cause of America and damned the
Congresses and Committees and drank a Health to King
George and tha[t] he would stand by him and fight for
him. And that the said Carman frequently repeated
the following Lines
"They seek'd for my Life and plundered my Estate
"But I am for his Loyalty King George the Great.
That the said Carman appeared to the Deponent at that
time to be intoxicated with Liquor.
Gilbert Bedell.
Witnesses
agains
Carman
Jno
Deremus
Exam.
respects
Horses
taken by
Gen. Clin-
William M^'Niel appeared and informed that Piatt
Rogers Comehus Brinkerhoff and Benj"" Rosekrans were
material Witnesses ag* the above Thomas Carman
John Doremus of Slaughter Dam in New Jersey being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that last Fall shortly after
Gen^ Washington retreated from Hackensack the De-
ponent's Son George Doremus left his Home and came to
the Northward as far as Esopus but soon after returned
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 131
again, that while the said George was thus at Home again
and hearing that a Party of the Enemy had come to
Hackinsaek he informed the Deponent that he intended
to go off lest the Enemy might come and take him Pris-
oner that thereupon Albert Voorhees requested the said
George if he went to Esopus again to purchase him a
Couple of Horses to enable him the said Albert to Assist
his Mother who had lost her Horses That the Deponent
saw the said Albert pay the said George a Sum of money
which he understood from them was £42: 8 New York
Currency for the purpose of purchasing two Horses as
aforesaid and the Deponent further saith that he verily
beleives that the two Horses which were afterwards taken
from the said George by Order of Gen* Clinton were the
Horses purchased by him for and at the Request and
agreeable to the above Directions of the said Albert
Voorhees and the Deponent further saith that he is well
acquainted with the said Albert & that he verily beleive's
him to be a true and firm Freind to the American Cause.
John Dooreemus
A Letter from Stephen Turhune respecting the Horses
purchased for him, denying that he intended them for the
Use of the Enemy, but admits he designed to sell &
traflfick them to the Farmers for such Necessaries as his
family wanted
Peter Demarest of Herring Town in New Jersey being p.
duly Sworn deposeth and saith that on or about the 24^^ fe^e^^
day of December last. Christian Zabriskie of Peramus, SS>y
in N. Jersey, informed this deponent, that he intended fon""^'°'
to go to Esopus to purchase a Horse for himself, that
thereupon this deponent requested the said Zabriskiee,
to purchase him a pair of Horses and for that purpose
paid him one hundred and twenty five Dollars Conti-
nental Currency, And the deponent further saith that
the Horses which he requested the said Zabriskie to
purchase were intended for his own private use as the
Horses which he then had did not suit him, by reason
of their having too much Spirit. And this deponent
132 STATE OF NEW YORK
further saith, that he has understood from the said
Zabriskie and beleives the same to be true that of the
Horses taken from said Zabriskie by order of Gen. Clin-
ton, a pair of Blacks, were the Horses purchased for this
deponent. And further this deponent saith not.
PlETER DeMAEST
Christian H Christian H. Zabriskie of Peramus in N. Jersey being
D^5S«on. duly sworn deposeth and saith that on or about the 25*^^
Dec"" last the Depon'' propos'd going to Esopus to purchase
Horses, and was employ'd by Stephen Terhune, to pur-
chase Horses for him also, and for that purpose received
from him the Sum of three hundred pounds New York
Currency, That the deponents Father disired him to pur-
chase a span of Horses for him. That Peter Demarest
desired this deponent to purchase a span for him and for
that purpose the said Demarest paid this Deponent Fifty
pounds N. York Currency. That this Deponent received
Fifteen Pounds like Money of Samuel Brevort to purchase
a Horse for him. And this Deponent further saith that he
accordingly purchas'd for the said Stephen Terhune one
Bay Mare, one bay Gelding, and two brown ditto, for the
said Demarest one pair black Geldings, for his, the De-
ponents Father, one Chesnut ditto and one brown ditto,
for the said Samuel Brevort one bay Mare, and for him-
self the Deponent one brown Gelding, And the deponent
further saith, that he hath never heard or in any wise
understood neither does he beleive that any of the Horses
so purchas'd by him as aforesaid, were procured with
design to dispose of them again to the Enemy, or that
they should have the use or service of them. And further
this deponent saith that one reason why he receiv'd three
hundred pounds of said Terhune was, that he was to
purchase for said Terhune a Negro Boy if he could be
had. And further this deponent saith not.
Christian H: Zabriskie
Lieu* Losee of Rumbout appear'd before the Board &
enter'd a Complaint against Cap* Myrick for abuse and
Lieu* Loeee
complains
•fO«pt
^'^^ ill treatment.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 133
Elijah Townsend who was committed by y'' Committee
24. Dec'' last (as by their Minutes of that date) appear'd
and upon taking the Oath of Allegiance was discharg'd.
M'' Matthew Patterson appear'd before the Board and Patterson
inform'd that Benjamin Worthy, was in the possession of thlt™^
the Shop and Tools of Allan Cameron who is now with the iJi^Pos-
Enemy and was using them together with the Stock of ^rfm"^
Coals for his own benifit and advantage, and that the ^'°"'^s'^°p
informant beleives, that many of the Tools are removed.
In Persuance of an Order ^ of the Committee of Safety
of this State of the 6^^ Jan^ last.
Resolved that Francis Harris George Soule Daniel Twenty
Soule Jonathan Soule Timothy Scott William Burris Jo°nIw'°*
Josiah Barkley John Neer Charles Neer William Allen t^wo?k"
Aaron Lawrence Thomas Stilwill Thomas Kane Joseph
Voice Ephraim Kelsey Israel Kelsey Jacob Jackson
Joseph Carman Harvy Light & Noah Brown disaffected
Persons taken within this State be sent under Guard to
New Windsor and put under the Direction of Cap*
Michin and employed in the Works carrying for the ob-
struction of the Navigation in Hudson's River, and that
Cap'' Mitchin be requested to keep a Watchful Eye over
them and use his utmost Endeavers that none of them
Escape.
Board adjourned til tomorrow Morn°
Tues'^ Feb^ IS*'^ 1777 Board met persuant to
adjournment.
Present.
All the Members.
The above Twenty Persons sent to New Windsor and
John Dusenberry and John Grant sent to Goshen Goal
agreeable to a Resolution of the Committee of the 14*^
Inst*
Donald Cameron one of the Persons apprehended by ^^^^^
Gen' Heath only on suspicion of Disaffection appearing JJ^^YhT
before the Commissioners and having Voluntarily taken l^^9^^^^
the oath of allegiance to this State was discharged
"Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 761.
134 STATE OF NEW YORK
Resolved Mess'" Kidd, Patterson and Hitchcock Inhabitants of
MaLm Fredericksburgh applied to this Board in behalf of
J^not'°° Malcom Morrison and prayed that he might be per-
tothl"^ mitted to take the benefit of General Washington's
Genfw/sh- Proclamation ^
^°f ^"'' Resolved that in the opmion of this Board he is not
Entitled to the same.
Board adjourned 'till tomorrow morning
February the 19**" 1777. Board met pursuant to
adjournment
Present Egbert Benson Esq'"
Melancton Smith Esq.
Roger Roger Townsand appearing before the Commissioners
toorthe*^ and having Voluntarily taken the oath of allegiance to
auifance thls State was discharged
^^^^ Isaac Garrison of New Marlborough in Ulster County
Garrison being oxamiued on oath saith that shortly before Christ-
exaiiined ^^^ ^^^^ ^® ^^^^ homc aud went to the Manor of Cort-
landt in Westchester County where his Sister the Wife
of Israel Underbill lives That he the Deponent remained
there four or five weeks that while he was there one
Sunday Evening happening to be at Captain Barton
Underbill's a party of Men came and apprehended the
Deponent only as he understood by reason of his not
having a pass and after he was so apprehended he was
brought before Major Graham and by him sent to this
place That he the Deponent has heretofore signed the
General Association and do's insist that his only view in
going to the manor of Cortlandt as aforesaid was to make
a visit to his relations in that Quarter
Isaac Garrison
Samuel
Wood
appears
and is
examined.
Samuel Wood of Northcastle in Westchester County
being examined on oath saith that understanding that
his son Peter Wood was among Coll. Rogers's Rangers
and that he was Sick went to Coll. Rogers's Quarters
with an intent to fetch him home again That when he
' Cf. Morrison's petition to the Convention, Cal. Rev. MSS., I, 667-668.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 135
came there being informed that his said son was in the
Hospital at New York he the Deponent appUed to
CoUonel Rogers for a pass to go there which was granted
to him accordingly That thereupon the Deponent want
to New York and finding his said son in the Hospital
took him out of it and brought him home with him
Samuel Wood
Peter Wood Son of the said Samuel W^ood being Peter
examined on oath saith that William Underhill and I^pears
James Kipp during the Course of the last summer fre- examined.
quently solicited the examinant to go to Long Island
after it was in possession of the Enemy in order to see
how matters were carrying on there that at last pre-
vailed by their solicitations he went there that he landed
at Wooleys ferry and from thence went to Flushing where
he found a considerable number of the Enemies Troops
that upon his arrival at Flushing aforesaid he was asked
by Coll. Rogers to inlist in his Battalion which he re-
fused saying he did not like to go in the Wars That
thereupon Coll. Rogers told him that he should and must
inlist for that all persons who came there unless they
inlisted were put under Guard that the examinant still
declining to inlist & requesting that he might be per-
mitted either to work on the Island or go home again
Rogers told him before he should go home again he wou'd
kill him and insisted still that he shou'd inlist That he
at length inlisted and signed a paper which he supposed
to be the inlisting orders That the examinant remained
there in service for the space of one month when he was wmiam
taken sick and was immediately removed to an Hospital yam^K^pp
in the City of New York where he was about four or five Sne
days when his Father came to Fetch him That at the ^^^^
time the Examinant went over to Long Island as afore- ieach^o-
said there went over with him in Company the aforesaid Nathi^Ak-*'
William Underhill and James Kipp, two sons of Peter 3^^^°''"
Nodine Viz^ Benjamin and Andrew, Joseph Leach, Joseph gerjose^h'
Traverse Nathaniel Akerly John Brown of Amewalk, ^^^^^^m
James Legget Jun : Joseph Griff en & William Van Tassell ^*" '^^^^
136 STATE OF NEW YORK
belong to and several others whose names he does not know that
|^|7« all the said several persons inlisted in Rogers's Rangers
u^^eT'' except Andrew Nodine who return'd home again promis-
oaieb ing that he would soon come back and bring more men
with him as the Examinant understood That the ex-
aminant likewise saw Isaac Mosher and Caleb Fowler
among Rogers's Rangers That the examinant hath
understood that the said Underhill sold all the people
he so took with him That he the examinant himself
hath never received any Bounty or pay from the Enemy
his
Peter X Wood
mark
Captain Ichabod Ward of Pawlings precinct by order
William of the Committee of said precinct brought William Ellis,
Eiiil?''^" Benjamin Ellis and Nathan Cummins inhabitants of the
o^^tas said precinct taken in Connecticut charged with Notori-
hCTdld ous disaffection and going to Join the Enemy
William The above named William Ellis appearing before the
Board and declaring that he had conscientious Scruples
with respect to the Lawfulness of taking an Oath sol-
emnly affirmed and said, that when the Militia of this
County were lately ordered out the examinant fearing
that he wou'd either be apprehended and imprisoned (as
he had understood wou'd be the Case of all such who
refused to march) or be compelled to March went from
Pawling's precinct to the State of Connecticut in order
to conceal himself. That while he was at New Milford
relating to a certain Amos Leach the Situation he the
examinant was in Leach asked him if he was willing to
take up Arms against the Country to which the ex-
aminant answered that he was not that Leach then
recommended him to one Joseph Seley Jun : for inf orma-
oapt tion respecting a certain Captain Vaughan who was
raising a company that was going to the Enemy that
thereupon the examinant applied to Seley who told him
that Vaughan was raising such a Company and asked
the examinant whether he was disposed to enter into it
EUis
Examined
Tanghan
raising a
Compy for
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 137
upon which the examinant asked what the terms of in-
listment were that Sely then took the paper out and
read to him that the men were to have five Dollars
bounty, soldiers pay, & comfortable Cloathing and fur-
ther informed the examinant that each man was to have
two hundred Acres of Land besides two Townships in
New Jersey which were to be bestowed on the Brigade
to which Vaughans company should belong That the
men were to have it in their option whether they wou'd
take up arms or not That the examinant thereupon re-
quested time to consider of the matter and immediately
after returned home again That upon his arrival home
he went to Nathan Cummins and informed him of the
matter Whereupon it was agreed between Cummins and
Benjamin Ellis and the examinant to go to Connecticut
again in order to make further enquiries about the matter
That accordingly they went to New Milford and from
thence to the said Vaughans That when the examinant
and his companions requested Vaughan to assure them
whether they wou'd be at liberty to bear Arms or not as
they chose he at first hesitated but at length gave him
reason to think that they wou'd be obliged to take up
Arms if they inlisted that the examinant & his compan-
ions requested further time to consider of it and imme-
diately left Vaughan in order to return home and on
their way were apprehended by a Constable of New
Milford and taken before the Committee of that place
by whom they were sent to the Committee of Pawlings
precinct and the examinant further saith that he and his
companions were determined not to inlist with Vaughan
when they discovered that they wou'd be compelled in
that case to take up Arms but admits that he believes
that they wou'd have gone to the Enemy if they cou'd
have been permitted to Labour and not have been obliged
William Aillis
Order'd that the said William Ellis, Benjamin Ellis,
and Nathan Cummins be committed to the Guard-house
Board adjourned untill tomorrow Morning
WiUiam
Ellia Beni«
EUisft
Nathan
Cummina
committed.
138 STATE OF NEW YORK
February the 20''' 1777. Board met pursuant to
Adjournment
Present Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq""
Coll. Swartwout
Samuel Samuel Bams of the White plains in Westchester
Sh™[had] County appeared before this Board and confessed that
oSof^^ he while the Enemy were at the White plains had fallen
Au^wnce jjj^[-(5-] ^i^g^ hands and taken the oath of Allegiance to
G Britain the King of Great Britain but insisting that the whole
K to^""" of his conduct and conversation since the commencement
home"** of the present Troubles were always in favour of the
America Cause and that he wou'd not have taken such
Oath had he not have been threatened by the Enemy
with imprisonment in case of refusal and therefore prayed
permission from this Board to remain on his Farm with-
out taking the oath of allegiance to the United States of
America and not be obliged to withdraw himself and
family within the Enemies lines agreeable to the direc-
tions of General Washington's proclamation as he would
in case he took such oath of allegiance to the United
Stat[es] and should unfortunately fall into the Enemys
hands suffer as a Rebel and not be considered as a
prisoner of War
Resolved that in the opinion of this Board they are
unauthorized to interfere in the matter as they have no
power to supercede the orders or commands of the Com-
mander in Chief of the Army.
Benj» Benjamin Ellis appearing before the Board and the
amination. Examination of William Ellis read to him and the said
Benjamin having conscientious Scruples with respect to
the taking an Oath did Solemnly affirm That the contents
of the said Examination of the said William Ellis was in
substance true and did confess that he the said Benjamin
was with respect to the several matters contained in the
said examination equally Guilty with his Brother William
BENIAMIN AlLIS
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 139
Nathan Cummins appearing before this Board and the Nathan
Examination of William Ellis being read to him and the iSLed.
said Nathan Cummins having conscientious Scrupels
with respect to the taking an oath did Solemnly affirm
that the contents of the said affidavit subsequent to this
examinants agreeing to go to Captain Vaughan as in the
said examination is set forth is substantially true
Nathan Comins
John Woolsey of New Marlborough heretofore appre- j^hn
hended upon suspicion of being disaffected to the Ameri- Sfrged.
can Cause appearing before this Board and Voluntarily
taking the Oath of allegiance to this State
Order'd that he be discharged
Moses Knapp appeared before this Board and upon Moses
his Examination on Oath saith that about a year ago he bought &
went from home to Long Island from thence on board ^^^™'"^'^-
of the Phenix Man of War That he sailed on board of
a Transport for Halifax the beginning of May a few
days after he arrived at Halifax he inhsted in the Enemys
Service as a Sergeant under Captain Alexander Grant
That he belonged to the said Grants Company until he
was wounded and taken prisoner by a party of Coll.
Thomas's Westchester County Militia about Six weeks
ago
Moses Knap
Timothy Pettit appeared before this Board and being Timothy
examined on oath saith that the passes which he and appears &
Jacob Jackson had when they were apprehended were ^^"'^"'^ •
forged and that he the examinant verily believes that
Jonathan Rodgers of Oswego in Dutches County wrote
them and that he actually received his from the said
Rodgers and the examinant further saith that when he
left home at the time he was apprehended he intended
to have gone to Long Island to Visit his Relations if he
cou'd have discovered that he might have done it so as
to have retum'd home to his family again This deponent
further saith that one Motive of his leaving home was
140 STATE OF NEW YORK
to prevent his going with the Militia but that he had no
intentions of taking up Arms against the Country or of
putting himself so far in the power of the Enemy that
they might have compelled him
Timothy Pettet
Jonathan Rcsolved that Jonathan Rogers charged in the above
Rpr^ examination be immediately apprehended and that
hended Sergeant Pennfold execute this resolution and he apply
to Doctor Piatt who is requested by this Board to furnish
him with information and every other assistance
Moses Order'd that Moses Knapp, lately an Inhabitant of
or^?'^dto Ulster County, who was taken Prisoner, while in the
County service of the Enemy as a Sergeant in Cap* Alex"" Grants
^°*^ Company be forthwith sent to the Goal in Kingston,
Ulster County And the keeper of the said Goal is hereby
required to receive and him keep in safe Custody, until
he shall otherwise be disposed by the Commander in
Chief of the American Army or by the Legislature of this
State
Ephraim Ephraim Wheeler, one of the disaffected Persons sent
JS^Itted to Exeter in the State of New Hampshire, having this
day presented a Petition to this Board, setting forth that
he is at present in Kent in the State of Connecticut by
permission of the Council of Safety of New Hampshire,
and that he is very much indisposed and therefore pray-
ing leave to return to his Family
Resolved that the prayer of the said petition be
granted. And that the said Ephraim Wheeler, be re-
quired to attend this Board, as soon after his return
home as he shall be able to travel, in order to take and
subscribe the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Board adjourned til tomorrow mom^
Feb^ 21^* 1777. Board met persuant to adjourn-
ment
Present
M'" Benson
M"" Smith
M"" Swartwout
to return
home.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 141
Lieut*' Bowers appeared informed that he had bro't Six Lieut
Prisoners viz* br7 Proser
Benjamin Proser Daniel Chase otherT*
Joshua Proser Beverly Chase Prisoner
Elias Proser & Talman Chase
which were apprehended by order of Col. Ludington
Order'd that they be sent to the guard House
Leiu* Bowers applied to this Board to advance him
some Money for the subsistence and pay of his Men,
Order'd that fifty four Dollars be paid Leiu* Bowers order-d
on account, and that he pass his receipt to this Board Bowers. 5*
for the same. The same was paid him out of Money partVay*
taken from Lamountis Noe Tnat""^
Obediah Akerly a Prisoner in the Guard House, sent o^^Aken
by the Committee of Bedford in Westchester County for H"^^^^
notorious and avowed disaffection, was ordered to appear
before this Board, he appearing accordingly.
Order'd that he be remanded for further Consideration.
Richard Titus heretofore committed upon Complaint Rjchd Titus
from the Committee of the North East Precinct appear- fiischarged.
ing and voluntarily taking the Oath of Allegiance to this
State.
Ordered that he be discharged.
John Rider Jun*" heretofore committed upon Complaint jn» Rider
of the Committee of Beekmans Precinct, appeared before oih &*is
the Board and voluntarily taking the Oath of Allegiance ^*-'"=*'"«''*
Ordered that he be discharged.
John Claw of Kleyne Kill in Albany County being john
examined on Oath saith that he went to Long Island Sluon'
some time last Fall while the Enemy were in Possession
of it, that he crossed the Sound above New Haven, that
Cornelius Re3Ti of Pompoonack Job Potter of Spencer
Town and Joseph Ingram also of Spencer Town went
with him, that he left the said three Persons in New
York though they were not inlisted as Soldiers but en-
deavored to subsist by labouring, that the Examinant
himself never inlisted in the Enemy's Service, that he
escaped from New York in the following Manner viz*
there was a Person in New York who had been taken
142 STATE OF NEW YORK
on Board of an American Vessel and carried into New
York, that this Person was released and permitted to
return home, that the Examin* came in company with
this Person as far as Kings bridge, that the said Person
produced his Pass to the Sentry there, that the Dep^
imposed on the Sentry by declaring that he had also
belonged to the above Vessel and that the Pass was also
intended for him and then was suffered to go by, that he
the Examinant travelled from New York to the Little
Nine partners in this County in Company with John
Savage who frequently told the Examinant that he in-
tended to raise Men to go to New York in the Spring,
that the only motive with him for leaving home was for
fear he should be apprehended and sent Prisoner to New
England and that he was returning Home with a De-
termination to join the Country in the present Contest.
John Claw
Ordered that the Case of the said John Claw lay over
for further Consideration
James Miller, sent to this place by the Committee of
Miuer. Bedford in Westchester County, by order Mess"^ Duer &
Sacket, was bro* before this Board, and the Affidavits
transmitted by said Committee was read to him, the said
Miller requested that Silas Miller might be examin'd as
a witness in his favour.
Silas Mu- Silas Miller being examined on Oath, deposeth and saith,
im'nSion that ho was present, at the house of Andrew Mills, at
the time when his Brother James Miller, should have
declared the several Matters with which the said James
is charged in the depositions of Mercy Mills & Sarah
Mills & though he the deponent was present the whole
of the time, he was at the said Andrew Mill's except a
few Minutes when the deponent went out to bridle his
Horse, Yet that he did not hear his Brother threaten to
kill or take the Lives of any Persons, but admits that
he heard the said James say, that when the present war
was over he would erect a Battery against five Persons,
four of w*"^ said five Persons, are named in the affidavit
Jam
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 143
of Mercy Mills. And this Deponent further saith y* the
said James appeared to him rather intoxicated with
Liquer at that time. That the deponent never at any
other time heard the said James threaten the said five
Persons. And that he verily beleives the said James to
be a true Whig. This Deponent further saith that he
verily beleves that the said James at the time above
mentioned, was in Jest. And further this deponent saith
not.
Silas Miller
We James Miller and Silas Miller both of West Chester james
County do acknowledge ourselves to be bound to the bound with
Convention of this State in the Sum of One hundred ""'**^
Pounds upon Condition that the said James shall keep
the Peace towards all the Subjects of this State particu-
larly towards Philip Leek Zebediah Mills Cornelius Clark
Richard Sacket & Eli Seely.
James Miller
Silas Mille[r]
James Miller upon giving Surety for the peace as above James
and voluntarily taking the Oath of Allegiance was discharged
discharged.
Job Ryder appeared and voluntarily took the Oath (°^^f^^"
of Allegiance to this State oath & is
Ordered that he be discharged
Board adjourned til tomorrow Mom^
Saturday, Feb^ 22. Board met persuant to
Adjournment
Present
All the Members
Michael Lownsberry of North Castle, in Westchester Michael
County (being one of the people called Quakers) did exIS^
solemnly affirm and declare. That on the Night on which spSg
John White the Soldier was killed, he lodged at the house ouThouse
of Simon Outhouse in North Castle, that the affirmant the Murder
144 STATE OF NEW YORK
of John was in Company with the said Outhouse the whole of
Stf * the Evening until about 12 OClock, when the said Out-
^^^'^^ house went to Bed, that the Affirmant lodged there also.
That the Affirmant rose about day light, when he saw
the said Outhouse in Bed, And the affirmant verily
beleives that the said Outhouse was not out of his House
during the Night as the affirmant thinks he must have
heard him, had he got out of Bed, there being only a
thin Board Partition between the two Rooms in which
they respectively lay. This Affirmant further saith that
he is very well acquainted with the said Outhouse, and
knows him to be a peacable inoffensive honest Man.
That the first information the Affirmant received of the
Death of White was from a Man whose Name he does
not know, who called at the house of Outhouse, about
8 O'clock in the Morning after White was killed That
the said Man had a Gun with him. That he understood
from the said Person, that he was one of the Company
that killed White. That the said Person tarried but a
few minutes at Outhouse's. That this Affirmant thinks
it probable, that Outhouse did, from what the above
mentioned Person said, also conclude that the said Person
was one of the Company concerned in the Murder of
White. That it appeared to the Affirmant that Out-
house knew the said Person. This Affirmant further
saith. That it was generally reported and beleived ab*
the Country, and beleived by the Affirmant, and he
thinks it probable that Outhouse must have beleived it
also at the very time when the said Person came to
Outhouses in the Morning as aforesaid, that the said
Comp^ to which the said Person did belong as aforesaid
were a band of Robbers. That the Affirmant does not
remember that any Conversation passed between him
and Outhouse respecting the Propriety or Necessity of
apprehending or attempting to apprehend the said
®^®^^ MiCHEAL LOWNSBERY
Examina- Slmou Outhousc being examined on Oath deposeth
outhouTe°" and saith that, he was during the whole Night on which
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 145
White was killed, at home at his own house. That the
first information he received of the Death of White, was
from John Garrison who came to the Deponent's house
on the Morning after White was killed. That Garrison
immediately upon entering the deponent's house, said
we have killed a Man, That the deponent rephed, that
it was a very bad Action and asked him, how he came
to do it? That Garrison thereupon said that they were
pursued, and that he had always determined to be killed
before he would be taken, That the said Garrison tarried
but a few Minutes at the deponents house and went off,
That Garrison was armed with a Gun and Pistol, That
there were at the deponents house at the same time and
in the same room with Garrison, Michael Lownsberry
[and Jeremiah Roads] That neither this deponent or
the said Lownsberry made any attempts to apprehend
the said Garrison while at the house, nor did he the de-
ponent, nor does he beleive that Lownsberry took any
measures to have the said Garrison apprehended after he
left this deponent's house. This Deponent further saith,
that he thinks it probable, that if he and Lownsberry
had attempted to take Garrison at that time, he would
and could have killed one of them.
The deponent does admit, that he had heard and at
the very time Garrison came to his house beleived that
there was a Company that went about that quarter of
the Country, robbing and plundering, that White was
killed by and that Garrison one Jacob Van Tassel and
one Thomas Gibson belonged to that Gang.
This Deponent further saith, that had it not been
for fear of the Injury which he apprehended Garrison
would do him, he would at the time the said Garrison
came into his this deponents house have endeavoured to
have taken and secured the said Garrison
Simon Outhouse
John
John Lownsberry being Sworn deposeth and saith, that
he was at the House of Simon Outhouse, the Night that Mnf-'^
White was killed, and the Morning after, as is set forth spSg
146 STATE OF NEW YORK
Simon in tlie Deposition of Michael Lownsberry, but was not
th" Murder in the house when Garrison was there, neither did he see
John White j^.^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^ deponent had step'd out to releive nature,
And for the same Reasons assigned in said Mich, Lowns-
berry's Deposition, beleives that the said Simon Outhouse
was not from home, during all the Night that White was
killed And the Deponent further saith, that upon his re-
turn into the house immediately after Garrison had been
there, this Deponent was informed that a Man had been
at said Outhouse's House, who said that a Man had been
killed early that Morning. And the Deponent, from the
Conversation which passed between him the Deponent,
Michael Lownsberry and Outhouse at that time respect-
ing the Matter, understood that Michael Lownsberry
and Outhouse beleived that the Person, who brought
such intelligence belonged to the Company which killed
the Man. And this Deponent further saith, that he did
not understand, from Michael Lownsbeny or Outhouse
that they had attempted to apprehend the said Person,
Neither did they appear to him anxious to have him
apprehended. And the deponent further saith, that he
beleives, from the behaviour and Conversation of Out-
house, that had the said Person been unarmed, or other-
wise in the Power of the s*^ Outhouse, he (Outhouse)
wou'd not have taken or secured him. And further this
Deponent saith not.
John Lownsbert
John Lownsberry being further examined on Oath
saith that when upon his return into the house, he dis-
covered that his Brother and Outhouse had reason to
suspect, that the said Person, belonged to the Company
that had committed the Murder, he reprehended them
for not endeavouring to secure him, that the deponent
does not remember that his Brother or Outhouse made
any reply thereto, & is confident that they did not assign
as a reason, that the said Person was armed & they were
fearful he would injure them.
John Lownsbery
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 147
Whereas it appears to this Board, that Michael Lowns-
berry notwithstanding John Garrison confess'd in his
hearing that he was concerned in the Murder of John
White, took no measures to have the said Garrison taken
or secured but suffered him to escape.
Resolved therefore that he be committed to the Guard
House.
Sergeant Penfold informed the Board that he had Jonathan
apprehended Jonath"" Rogers, and brought him Prisoner committed
agreable to their Order of the 20*'' Instant.
Order'd that he be committed to the Guard House
Ordered that Rev*^ Isaac Rysdyck, Tuenis V. Bun- M^Rysdick
schoten and Zachariah Sickels be requested to attend sins
this Board to give Evidence against Rudolphus Ritzma, appear%'o
on Thursday next. tZf"''
Board adjourned til tomorrow.
REPORT OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE COM-
MITTEE AND THE COMMISSION FOR
CONSPIRACIES *
[Saturjday
Feb^22: 1777.
Beverly Robinson Esq: appeared before the com-
mittee appointed by the Convention of the State of
New York for enquiring into Detecting and Defeating
all conspiracies that may be formed against the Lib-
erties of the Same and the Board of Commissioners
appointed By the Convention for the Same purpose.
John Jay Esq"" Chairman
Judge Graham
Nath^ Sackett
members of
Committee
Colonel Swartwout
Egbert Benson |> Commissioners
Melancton Smith
he was interigated in the following manner Viz*
M'" Jay Sir you having observed an Equivocal Neu-
trahty thro' the Course of your conduct the Commit-
tee is at a Loss to know how to Rank you.
M" Robinson Sir it is True, at first I offered my Servis
to the publick but they Did not think proper to Chuse
me Since which Time I have made my Self Prisoner
on my fann in order to keep myself from a necessity
of Expressing my Sentiments.
* These minutes are recorded on a loose sheet of paper, closely written
on both sides, in the archives of the N. Y. State Museum, Washington's
Headquarters, Newburgh, N. Y. It is printed here through the courtesy
of the Trustees. The first Catalogue of Manuscripts in Washington's
Headquarters, (prepared by E. M. Ruttenber, 1879) states (p. 34,
no. Ill) that it was the gift of Colonel Isaiah Townsend.
148
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 149
M"" Jay Sir your Son has gone to New York to the
enemy.
M"" Robinson No Sir he is gone to Long Island.
M" Jay Sir this Committee is informed that when your
Son was about Taking a Commission you was much
Displeased at it.
M" Robinson I was not Sir, but I believe that Com-
mittees thro' their Severity have made a Great many
Tories for it is natural when a man is hurt to kick.
M"" Jay Sir we have pass'd the Rubicon and it is now
necessary every man [torn] Take his part, Cast of[f]
all alliegiance to the King of Great Britain and take
an Oath of Allegiance to the States of America or Go
over to the Enemy for we have Declared our Selves
Independant.
M"" Robinson— Si [r, I] can't Take the Oath,^ but Should
be exceedingly Glad to Stay in the Country, to Inable
me to Stay in the Country, and Expecting that there
wold be a great Deal of Trouble about the forts in
the Spring I have already Sent some of my Goods
farther Back in the Country to patersons and I Should
be extreemly unhappy in being obliged to go over
to the enemy for I have no way to mentain my familey
there but I have here. If I go to the enemy can I
carry with me any of my effects. — it is very uncertain
who will Rule yet for the matter is not Determined.
M" Jay Yes Sir undoubtedly you can carry your effects
but we Don't Desire you Sir to give your answer now
we would Chuse that you Should take Time To Con-
sider of the matter before you give your answer for
I can assure you Sir without flattery we Should be
exceeding happy to have you with us.
(M"" Benson then Laboured much to Shew M"" Robinson
the propriety of the measure and the great pleasur[e]
it would give us, to have him with us)
M'' Robinson how Long before I must give my answer
a Day or Two.
"App. I, p. 427.
150 STATE OF NEW YORK
M'^ Jay no Sir you need not hurry your Self you can
Take a month or Six weeks.
M"" Robinson you Gentlemen are not Ingaged on Sun-
days, will you come down and See me one Sunday.
M"* Jay I am obliged to you Sir, I don't Expect to be
Long here.
M'" Benson I am much obhged to you Sir and will Do
myself the Pleasure of Coming to See you one Sunday.
M"" Robinson then Retired.®
'Beverly Robinson, in testif3dng in London, December, 1785, before
the Commissioners on the Losses of American Loyalists, produced a
summons dated February 20, 1777, to attend the Committee of Con-
spiracies at Fishkill, and a copy of the oath they asked him to take.
(The oath is printed post, Appendix I.) He said "they gave him till
May following to give his Answer as to taking this Oath, but he
declared he never would take it, & went away before the time came
round that he was to give his formal answer." After his departure, "he
wrote a letter to Mr. Jay who was President of the Committee to
which he was summoned. Mr. Jay addressed his answer to Mrs.
Robinson." (See post, Minutes of March 18, 1777.)
Transcript . . . of Papers of the Commission . . . on the Losses and
Services of American Loyalists, XLIII, 204-219, 221, in the N. Y. PubUc
Library.
Yearns,
Dickson
& Barnet
Witnesses
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 151
Board met persuant to adjournment Feb^ 23*^ ^
Present
M: Benson
Lieut* Dyckman appeared and informed that he had
brought as a Prisoner Jonathan Stokum apprehended by Jonathan
Order of the Committee of Fredericksburgh and charged preheS
by the Depositions of Nathan Yearns James Dickson and
Isaiah Bennet with threatening to burn the House of
CoP Ludington ^s' ^^
Ordered that he [be] committed to the Guard House
Lieut* Dyckman further informed that he had also
brought as Prisoners Gilbert Shaw and Isaac Akerly. g^aw &
Lieut* Joseph Dyckman being duly sworn saith that brSy
as he was returning Home last friday Evening he over- dyckman
took the said Gilbert Shaw & Isaac Akerly and another cyckman's
"^ Deposition
Person whose name the Deponent does not at present agtshaw
remember — that he soon took Occasion to enter into Con-
versation with Shaw — that the Deponent mistrusting the
said three Persons and desirous to discover their Inten-
tions told Shaw that he the Deponent and a Number
more intended to go beyond the Lines to the Enemy and
asked Shaw if he would join them who immediately
repUed that he would and said that by God he would,
which he repeated several times in the Road and after-
wards again when they came to Joshua Conclings — that
among other things which passed in the Conversation
Shaw asked the Deponent what he thought of the Whig
Party that the Deponent observed to him not to mind
it — that Shaw speaking of the Whigs said God them how
they have used me — that the Deponent thereupon took
proper Means to secure him.
Joseph Dyckman
'Continuation of the manuscript volume in the N, Y. Hist. Soc.
Library.
Shaw
committed
Akerly ad-
mitted on
Parole.
152
STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that the above named Gilbert Shaw be com-
mitted to the Guard House.
Isaac Akerly having been apprehended only on Sus-
picion of his being confederate with Shaw
Ordered that he be admitted to his Parole til tomorrow
Morning.
Board adjourned.
Monday, Feb^ 24^^ Board met.
Present
M" Benson
M"" Swartwout
Lieut*
Dyckmans
Bill pro-
duced and
paid.
Thomas
Bemus
takes the
Oath and is
discharged
Benjamin
appears is
examined &
remanded
to the
Guard
house
Isaac
Akerly
dismissed.
Lieut* Dyckman produced his Account of Services and
Expences of himself and Guard in apprehending Shaw
Gilbert & Akerly and conveying them to this place and
the same being liquidated at £7 : 2 : 6.
Resolved that it be paid and it was accordingly paid
out of the Money taken from Lamountis Noe.
Thomas Bemus who had been committed for damning
the Congress having been brot before the Board and it
appearing that he had been confined since 30'^ Dec** last
in the [Guard-house?] and he offering voluntarily to
take the Oath of Allegiance
Resolved that upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to
this State he be discharged
He appearing and taking the Oath was discharged.
Benj" Searle who had been apprehended and sent to
the Committee by Maj'' Graham upon suspicion of being
concerned in the Murder of John White being examined
and it not appearing to the Board from his Examination
that he was in any wise concerned in the said Murder
and there being nothing charged ag* him in the De-
positions transmitted by Major Graham respecting the
Murder.
Ordered that he be remanded to the Guard House for
further Consideration
Ordered that Isaac Akerly be discharged he having
produced to this Board a Pass from Col: Welsh of New
Palmer
admitted
on Parol.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 153
Hampshire permitting him to come into this State and
return to New Hampshire again.
The Board having been informed that John Palmer john
Jun'" from PawHngs Precinct was a Prisoner in the Guard
House and it not appearing from the Proceedings or
Papers of the Committee what is charged against him or
for what Cause he was committed and he having been
sent for and examined and the Board not being able to
discover his Offence from his Examination he protesting
his Innocence.
Resolved that the Committe of Pawling's Prec* be committee
wrote to for Information respecting the said John Palmer "ngsTrote
and that he in the meantime be admitted to his Parol jn»p°a'imer
and confined to within one Mile of the Stone Church til
the further Order of this Board.
This Board being informed that William Gilroberts now wniiam
a Prisoner in the Guard House is indisposed and that he
ought to be removed as Confinement there in his present
State of Indisposition will greatly endanger his Health
and it being suggested to this Board that the House of
Gilbert Southard is proper for the Reception of the said
William Gilroberts and that he can conveniently be
accommodated there
Resolved that the said Wil"" Gilroberts be immediately
removed to the House of the said Gilbert Southerd who
is hereby required to receive him and provide him with
Necessaries and this Board will defray the Expences
thereof
Board adjourned til tomorrow.
Tuesday Feb^ 25^^^ 1777- Board met.
Present
M"^ Benson
M-" Swartwout
Cap* Belknap informed that Albert Westervelt had Albert
been apprehended by Col: Van Cortlandt at Van Wycks Jprt"''^"
that the said Westervelt was notoriously disaffected to Sthe
the American Liberty and that he (Cap*' Bellknap) had 2iieg°ance
Gillroberts
sick Or-
dered to be
removed to
Gilbert
Southards
154 STATE OF NEW YORK
to New been frequently to Poughkeepsie by Order of the Com-
jersey and j^'^^gg ^^ apprehend the said Westervelt but could never
charged , ■, i .
take him.
Ordered that he be discharged upon taking the Oath
allegiance.
He appeared and voluntarily taking the Oath of Al-
legiance to the State of New Jersey was discharged.
Letter Board received a Letter ^ from Gen* Geo : Clinton re-
So^^"' specting Ryder Zabriskie & Doremus apprehended with
zabriskif Horses &c^ Ordered that it be referred for further
**"' Consideration.
Henry Heury Vouk a Prisoner in the Guard House appearing
Jmi'Mtion" before the Board and being examined said that James
Briggs of Peeks Kill about the beginning of November
in the Presence of the Examinant counterfeited a thirty
dollar Continental Bill by taking a 3 Dollar Bill and
altering the Denomination, that the said Briggs gave the
said Bill to the Examinant and desired him to pass it
and they were to divide the Money which should be re-
ceived in Change for the said Bill, — that Briggs told the
Examinant he could not be punished if he was detected
— that attempting to pass the said Bill at New Windsor
he was discovered and apprehended.
Henry Vunk
permitted The aforesaid Henry Vunk offering voluntarily to
iniiSland inHst iu the Service of the United States and Ensign
chMged Brewster of Cap^ Davis's Company Col: Livingston's
Regiment consenting to receive him in the Company and
the said Henry Vunk having been long confined and
almost destitute of Clothing so that should he be ordered
into Confinement he ought from Motives of humanity
to be provided with Clothes to prevent the Expence
whereof and also that the public may be reieived from
the Burthen of subsisting the said Henry Vunk any
longer especially as it it doubtful whether he can be tried
legally & punished for the above Offence should he be
detained in Custody til Courts are erected there being
*App. I, pp. 422-425.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 155
no positive Law of the State against it at the time it was
committed.
Resolved that Ensign Brewster be permitted to inlist
the said Henry Vunk.
Ensign Brewster informed that the said Henry Vunk
had inlisted with him.
The Oath of Allegiance to this State being adminis-
tered to the said Henry Vunk he was thereupon dis-
charged.
Gabriel Valentine a Prisoner in the Guard House and cabriei
one of the Company apprehended and brought before pe\mitt^d
the Committee Jan^ 2^ in attempting to go to the Enemy
offering to inlist with Ensign Brewster
Resolved that he be permitted to inlist.
Ensign Brewster informed that Gabriel Valentine had valentine
inlisted with him and the said Gabriel Valentine not hav- and^S
ing attained the Age of Sixteen Years and this Board **^°''^^^®*'-
being doubtful of the Propriety of tendering to him the
Oath of Allegiance
Ordered that he be discharged and delivered over in
Charge to Ensign Brewster.
Gilbert Purdy and Richard West having voluntarily Gilbert
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State ^ItlA
Ordered — that they be discharged. discharged
Gilbert Ogden having voluntarily taken the Oath of Gilbert
Allegiance to this State. ^^'^'°***
Ordered that he be discharged.
Peter Caverly having voluntarily taken the [oath] of Peter
Allegiance to this State caveriyd*
Ordered that he be discharged.
Board adjourned.
Wednesday the 26'^ 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Benson
Col: Swartwout
M" Henry Peckwell appeared before the Board and m"-
consented to serve as Sec^ to the Board at the Rate of appSd
12/ P'- day. secy
156 STATE OF NEW YORK
Resolved that he be appointed Se(f accordingly and
be allowed the above Wages.
Solomon Application having been made in Behalf of Solomon
be paid 3 Powel for some Compensation for his Services in appre-
hending disaffected Persons and Majo''^ Piatt & Sacket
informing the Board that the said Solomon Powel had
upon a certain Occasion been very active and that it
would be proper to give him a Gratuity of three dollars
Resolved that he be paid Three Dollars for his Services
M"" William Brower appeared before the Board and
Sarah applied in Behalf of Sarah Thomas now confined in
discharged Poughkeepsie Goal and engaged that he would take
fln°ement& Charge of hcr and that She should appear whenever
over^tr ordered by this Board.
togeth°er Resolved that James Brooks Keeper of the Goal in
Poughkeepsie deliver Sarah Thomas over to William
Brower.
In Confirmation of the above Engagement M"" Brower
has subscribed his Name to this Resolution
William brower
Ordered that the Papers of M" Thomas be delivered
to M'' Brower and they were delivered accordingly
Gershom Wing who had been admitted on his Parole
mittfd^on to return home & Consider whether he would affirm his
Allegiance to this State, appeared, and declared that he
could not consistant with his religious Principles as a
Quaker.
Order'd that his Case be deferr'd for farther Consid-
eration and that he in the mean Time, be admitted on
his Parole not to depart more than Two Miles from the
Stone Church, till the further Order of this Board.
£27:6:2 M' Sackct paid to this Board the sum of £27. .6. .2
M'-'saJket to be applied by them in Executing their Business for
fOTtheuse ^jj^^j^ jyjr geuson gave his receipt.
Hage'dorn, Jacob Hagcdom, Frederick Clopper, George Clopper
AnTrfon & Jacob Andcrsou, Prisoners Committed to the Goal of
Sth^and Poughkeepsie by order of the Committee, appearing be-
Gershom
mitted on
Parol
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 157
fore this Board and Voluntarily taking the Oath of aredis-
AUegiance to this State, "''"^'^
Order'd that he be discharged.
John Light Prisoner from the Guard House appearing john ug^t
before this Board and Voluntarily taking the Oath of '^°
Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged.
Col : Abraham Brinkerhoff applied to this Board pray- Joseph pom
ing that if there was no special Charge against Joseph torTtura**
Post, he might be permitted to return home, as he is a eester^"*''
Cooper & a large stock of Stuff on hand, & might be very
Serviceable to the publick, as flour Casks are so very
much wanted at this Juncture.
The Board taking the same into their Considerati[on]
Resolved that the Committee of the Town of Wor-
cester in the State of Massachusetts Bay, be authorized
to permit Joseph Post one of the disaffected Persons sent
by order of the Committee for detecting Conspiracies
&ca. to the Town of Worcester in the State of Massachu-
setts Bay to return into this State provided he will
engage immediately upon his return to renounce his
Allegiance to the King of Great Britain & take & sub-
scribe the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Board adjourned
Thursday, Feb^ 27^** 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M'' Swartwout
A Letter
from Qen :
The Board received another Letter ^ from Gen^ Geo : ton^'about
Clinton containing Information respecting Doremus, Sriske
Ryder & Zabriskie. *''
Ordered that it be referred for future Consideration. cuTi^'a
Cap^ Piatt laid before the Board the Deposition of -K'iT"
James Currey informing that Elijah Dingey had a Com- withtL
pany inlisted for the Enemy, that Daniel Husted had a dS
Warrant for inlisting Men & that Moses Knapp & Isaac
Husted—
Moses Knap
Gonung disired Curry to inlist. ^^,
•App. I, pp. 428-430.
158
STATE OF NEW YORK
Stewart,
Grant,
Anderson,
M<= Quay,&
M«Kerly on
their way
to the
Enemy.
Charge
agt Ab™
Brinkerhoff
Arie
Delong.
Johannis
Medlar
Albertus
Schryver
Proceed-
ings ag*
Morison
to be
returned.
Belknap's
Compy to
be under
Gen» Clin-
ton
Cap*
Clarke's
Informa-
tion about
Daniel
Chace,
Doctor
Prosser,
Dan : Chace
Sen'
A Letter was received from M"" Samuel Dodge inclos-
ing an Order from Committee of Albany to Cap* Wendel
&c^ to persue James Stewart, Arch'^ Anderson, Rob^
M°Quay, Alex"^ Grant, Jo" M° Kerly, & three others
[who] were on their way to join the Enemy.
A Letter from the Committee of Ulster of the 8*^ Jan^
last charging Abraham Brinkerhoff with distributing
Copies of Lord & General Hows Proclamation of the 12"^
of Sep* last.
Order'd, that it be refer'd for a future Consideration
Application having been made to this Board, in Behalf
of Arie Belong one of the disaffected persons heretofore
sent to New hampshire, & who is lately retuni'd to this
State by permission, & is now at home indisposed, and
the Time limited for his return being Expired,
Resolved, that Arie Belong be permitted to remain at
home during his present indisposition, & that as soon as
he shall be able to travel, he appear before this Board.
Johannis Medler having voluntarily taken the Oath
of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered, that he be discharged.
Albertus Schriver having voluntarily taken the Oath
of Allegiance to this State and being indisposed with
the Jaundice,
Ordered, that he be discharged.
An Order from the Committee of Safety of the 25*^
Ins* requiring a return of the proceedings relative to the
Case of Malcolm Morrison
A Resolution of the Committee of Safety ^° of the 26*^
Ins* directing Cap* Belknap's Comp^ to be placed under
the Command of Gen^ Geo: Clinton, if this Board shall
consent thereto.
Cap* Clark appeared before the Board and informed
that from the Information which he received from the
Imissary Baniel Chace Jun"" was a Liu* in Boct: Ham-
iltons Comp* and had offer'd the Imissary five Bollars
hard Cash to inlist. — That Boct: Prosser was to be a
Surgeon to a Regiment in the Enemies Service. — That
^"Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 813.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 159
Dan^ Chace Sen"" refused to receive pay from the Imissary
for Leather & a Meal of Victuals, upon the Imissarys assur-
ing him that he was a Friend Cap^ Clark further informed
that Dan' Chace Jun'' was not apprehended, having been
left at home by the Rangers on Acc^ of his being sick —
Cap^ Clark farther Informs that Joshua, Elias & Benja- joshua
min Prosser now in Custody tho' disaffected & possibly EifaTpros-
privy to the raising of a Company, doubts whether they Profser^'
are inlisted — That Hanly as the Imissary said was a
Pilot to the Parties who went to the Enemy — That when giivester
Hanly was apprehended (at Elkanah Briggs's) Carlyle ^^"^^^
was in Bed with Hanly and imagines he was concerned
with him — That Carlyle when he was first apprehended
denied to Col: Morehouse that he had ever taken the ^^^^^.^
Oath of Allegiance to this State, but insisted that he was cariisie
a Prisoner of War, & not oblige to Swear, and intimated
that he had been made a Prisoner by our Army while
they lay before Boston — This Examination continued
on the next page
Isaac Vail appeared before the Board and informed isaacvaii
that he had heretofore taken the Oath of Allegiance to ""^^"^^^^
this State before the Committee and confin'd by their
Order, and now pray'd that he might be permitted to
go at large and he having made a candid & open con-
fession of his having deserted the Guards on his way to
Exeter, and of his having since been in the City of New
York & on Long Island, and declaring that he had
changed his Sentiments, and this Board having confi-
dence in him that he will agreeable to his profession
conduct himself as a True Friend to the American cause.
Resolved that Isaac Vail be released from his present
confinement on his Farm, and be permitted to go at
Large, equally to the other Inhabitants of this State.
The Information of Cap^ Clark continued from the
preceding page
Cap* Clark further Informs, that he does not think it ci^ke's
probable, that any more of the Company, except Daniel f"^!'^^"
Chace Jun : & Doct. Prosser can be apprehended.
Resolved, that Cap* Clark cause those two persons last
James
Striker
discharged.
160
STATE OF NEW YORK
named, to be apprehended and Immediately thereupon
direct Lieu* Bowers Company to March to this place.
James Striker having voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State
Ordered, that he be discharged
Board adjourned
Friday Feb^ 28*^ 1777. Board met
Present. M"" Benson
Col: Swartwout
M"- Smith
Joseph
Sheldon
John Pinch
William
Wing
Thomas
Briggs
Roger Cut-
ler Daniel
Crane and
Nathan
Sheldon
Enoch
Hoag&
Jacob
Hogeboom
appre-
hended
Joseph
Sheldon
Examined
Col: Morehouse appeared, & informed the Board that
he had apprehended & brought with him to this place
the following persons, Viz* Joseph Sheldon, John Finch
William Wing, Tho^ Briggs, Roger Cutler, Daniel Crane,
Nathan Sheldon, Enoch Hoag Jacob Hoogeboam whom
he had apprehended on Wednesday night 26*'' Ins* at
the house of said Enoch Hoag, in consequence of infor-
mation he had received from the Immissary that these
persons were to assemble there at that Time with an
intent to go off to the Enemy — That the Immissaiy in-
formed Col: Morehouse that those Persons had told him
that an officer in the neighbourhood who had been down
to the Enemy was retum'd who would be there also to
see who would turn out as Volunteers
Joseph Sheldon being Examined, saith, that he has
long conceald himself for fear of the Rangers, that his in-
tention in going to Hoags the night he was apprehended,
was because it was a retired place, and as he was going
Spalding overtook him, — that Spalding was on his way
home, & the Examinant persuaded him to go with him
to Hoags — ^When the Examinant came to Hoags, he found
there Hoag, Brown, & Hoogeboam, — insists that his sole
view in going to Hoags was to keep out of the way, — de-
nies that the Meeting was concerted (to his knowledge)
or that he had, neither does he know or believe that any
of the others had intentions to go off to the Enemy — that
no conversation passed during the Evening respecting
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 161
any matter of that kind — that he knows seven of the
persons apprehended, and admits that they are not
Whigs — denies his ever having been with the Enemy —
confesses he has been twice to Rhod Island, once to see
his Friends, & at another time to avoid being taken as
he understood he was to be sent to Exeter. — disavows all
knowledge of any persons iniisting for the Enemies ser-
vice— That as the Examinant & Spalding went together,
Spalding call'd at his Brother Abijahs, that the Exami-
nant proceeded slowly on and was shortly overtaken by
Spalding, who brought with him John Finch, that when
the Examinant Spalding & Finch, were ascending the
Hill, they met Tho^ Briggs & Daniel Crane that the
Examinant told the two last persons, that if they would
walk with him back as far as Hoags, he would return
with them again, as he did not intend to stay there long
and does insist that his only motive in askmg Spalding
Brigs & Crane to go with him, was for the sake of Comp^
& Conversation
Order'd that the nine persons apprehended as above
be committed to the Guard House.
This Board being informed that there is Sundry per- d^
sonal Estate of Doct: John Hamilton a person notori- SS'
ously disaffected to the American Cause, & who is now ^ ^^''•
supposd to be with the Enemy, having lately when
apprehended as a Delinquent made his Escape from the
Guards
Resolved, that Col: Andrew Morehouse be directed
to Collect the said Estate and to dispose of the same at
publick Auction, and after deducting the Charges of
Sale, & the Expence of keeping an Horse, (part of the
said Estate), to return the Monies together with proper
Acco* Sales to this Board, Provided, nothing in this Reso-
lution shall be construed to authorize Col: Morehouse
to receive any Debts due to the said John Hamilton
A Letter from the Committee of the North East Pre- Lewis
cinct informing that they had apprehended & sent under geni^E^k
Guard to this Board, Henry Erkenbright & Lewis Bryant enbregh'ap.
upon suspicion of their theu- being concerned in the rescue
162
STATE OF NEW YORK
Weaver,
Bow Wal'
*Dan»
M* Alpine,
Baltus &,
Peter
Kiefer,
M'' Quin,
Welsh,
Dederick,
Colder &
Everhart in
the Rescue
of Jn"
!!<= Alpine
Letter from
Col : Welsh
about Mor-
rel, Law-
gen, Boyce,
Mitchel,
Cropsy,
Wygant,
Shaw,
Akerly
Jonathan
Stokum
discharged
of John M*" Alpine, & inclosing the Examinations of the
said two Persons, by which it appears that Peter Weaver,
John P Row, Walter & Daniel M*= Alpine, Baltus & Peter
Keefar, John M'= Quin, Edward Welsh, William Derick,
John Colder, & Hermon Everhart, tho' not yet appre-
hended, were also concerned in the rescue
Order'd that Henry Erkenbright, be committed to the
Guard house.
A Letter from Col : Welch of New Hampshire inform-
ing that Benjamin Morrell, John Lawson & Abraham
Boyce are gone off. That Peter Mott was apprehended
in endeavouring to make his Escape. That William
Mitchel, Henry Cropsy William Wygant, Gilbert Shaw,
& Isaac Eckerly behave themselves well — And that the
Col: conceives that the four first might safely & requests
that they may be permitted to return home
Cap* Hill appeared & assured the Boa. that Jonathan
Stokum was a True Friend to the American Cause and
that if the Charge of his threatening to burn Col: Lud-
denton's House should be proved against him, it would
not appear to be the Effect of disaffection
Jonathan Stokum appeared before the Board & posi-
tively denied the above charge, and declared that he bore
no Enmity to Col: Luddenton, but on the Contrary, had
a great Esteem & regard for him, and the Board from
the Character given of the said Stokum by Cap* Hill,
being induced to believe him sincere in his professions,
yet for the greater security
Resolved, that Jonathan Stokum be discharged upon
becoming bound with Cap* Andrew Hill as a surety to
this Board in the Sum of Thirty Pounds for his peaceable
behaviour towards all the Subjects of this State, particu-
larly towards Col: Henry Luddenton.
Cap* Hill, & M"" Stokum consented to become bound
as aforesaid, in Confirmation whereof, they have here-
unto Subscribed their Names
Jonathan Stokom
Andrew Hill
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 163
Enoch Crosby being duly sworn informs that on the Emissair-s
9'*^ Inst, word was brought to him by Doct: Prosser tFon""^'
from Silvester Handly to meet him (said Handly) at the Handiy
house of Elkanah Brigs in order to Join a Company
which he (said Handly) was to Pilot to the Enemy in a Prosser
few days, the informant accordingly did call upon him,
who told this informant, that said Company were to set
off in a few Days — that Doct. Hamilton had gone out to Hamilton
collect them together for that Purpose — That said
Handly directed this Informant to the House of Enoch
Hoag where he assured him he could be concealed, and Hoag
this Informant accordingly went to said Hoags, where
he tarried four or five days undiscovered — that said Hoag
talked much against the Rebels, and said that he had a
Barrel of Pork & forty Bushels of Wheat, which he meant
to keep for the Kings Army. — This informant further Hoag
saith, that while he was at Hoags, he went to see Hanly,
who informed him that he had not yet heard from Docf Handiy
Hamilton, but expected him home that night, & tho*"
that the Company would set off in Two or Three Days. —
This Informant further saith that in consequence of
Advice received from Tories he left the House of Enoch
Hoag, & went to John Hoags at the Oblong, that William
Wing accompanied him thither, who informed him that
a Company was going off that week to the Enemy from
that Neighbourhood & the State of Connecticut, and that Ross
Zebulon Ross Jun. was the Cap^ of said Company — that Hoag*''
Nathan Hoag from Oswego was to engage part of said
Comp^ who had already been down twice with the
Enemy
The informant further saith that he went to John wing
Hoags where he tarried a Week, & from thence he went
to the House of William Wing, whose Wife informed
him that he would now soon have Company, as there was
a Man lately come up from York, who was to return soon,
—that from Wings he went to the house of Jacob Weed, weed
where he was informed, that Wing & Weeds second son
had gone to see this Man who has come from York, and
was advised to tarry till they returned which he accord-
1(14
STATE OF NEW YORK
BriggB
Briggs &
Martin
gone to
Shaftsbury.
ingly did; that upon their return, they told the in-
formant that he could now have Company, as there was
an oflScer come up after recruits and that he must meet
him the next Night at Enoch Hoags, where a Company
was to Assemble in order to know who was to go. That
after the Informant left Wing & Weed he stopped at the
House of Elkanah Briggs, whos[e] wife informed him
that a person had just left the House who had Come
from New York, and was going soon to return with a
Number of Men, & that the Informant might have an
opportunity of going with him & advised the informant
to call upon the said person whose Name she said was
Joseph Sheldon, for further information, which the in-
formant accordingly did, and said Sheldon asked him
whether he was disposed to inlist the informant answered
him that he had some talk of it, but that he did not
chuse to sign his name before he got down, — said Sheldon
told him (the Informant) that he had been down with
two or three Parties already and meant to take with him
now about fifteen men, — that the informant understood
that said Sheldon was an OfiScer, but did not learn his
Rank, & that he informed him that this was the last
time he should be up on this Business. That said Shel-
don requested this Informant to meet him the next night
at the house of Enoch Hoag. That this Informant went
the same night in Company with Elkanah Briggs to the
house of said Enoch Hoags, who informed him that
Shedon was to be there the next night, and that a num-
ber of persons was to meet him there, & that he said
Hoag was to notify a young Man who lived at his
Fathers, of the intended Meeting. That this Informant
learnt from Elkanah Briggs, that said Briggs & Agrippa
Martin were going to Shaftsbury in order to be Innocu-
lated. This Informant further saith that on the night
following, the said Sheldon came to the house of Said
Enoch Hoag, that Thomas Briggs Spalding & the other
persons brought here this day by Col: Morehouse met
there also, that said Sheldon had but just entered upon
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 165
discourse respecting his design, when the House was
Surrounded, and were all taken Prisoners
Enoch Crosby
Ordered, That Ten Dollars be paid to Enoch Crosby for ^ ^ ^^
secret services ^''"^^^
Enoch Crosby on oath further saith, that WilUam Wing his further
told Enoch Hoag he intended to go down with his Slay & wTng"
Horses to the Enemy, upon which said Hoag told Wing ""''^
he would go himself with his Slay & horses, if he had no
Family.
Enoch Crosby
Resolved that the Rev*^ M'^ Townsend & Benjamin Mess"
Close be admitted on their Parole to go to their respected TowLlnd
Families in West Chester County till the further Order o^arof
of this Board.
Mess""^ Townsend & Close engaged to pay the Expence
of an Express that should be sent for them to appear
Resolved that Lewis Bryan be permitted to go at large Bryan on
on his Parole, and not to depart. ^^^°^
The Board taking into Consideration the Case of Resolution
Fifteen Horses & a quantity of Cash siezed by Major Ho°rses*&^
Pauhng, Brig'' Major to General George Clinton the 4*'' tektiwith
of Jan^ last, the Consideration whereof was referred to nyd^l^
the late Committee for detecting Conspiracies &ca by ^^^"'''*-
order of the Committee of Safety " of this State of the
23'^ Jan^ last, and this Board having Maturely considered
the several Examinations, Letters, Petitions and other
Matters now before them relative to the same —
Resolved that Christian H Zabriskie, Stephen Ryder
& George Doremus, Inhabitants of the State of New
Jersey Purchased Thirteen of the said Fifteen Horses
on or about the first of Jan^ last in the County of Ulster
in this State, Viz* One Bay Mare, One Bay & two Brown
Geldings for Stephen Terhune late an Inhabitant of the
City of New York at present Resident in the State of
New Jersey. Two Black Geldings for Peter Demarist, a
^Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 784.
166 STATE OF NEW YORK
for whom Subject of the State of New Jersey, One Chesnut & One
werfpur-^ Bfown Gelding for Henry Zabriskie a Subject of the
**^'^'^ State of New Jersey, One Bay Mare for Samuel Brevoort,
also a Subject of the State of New Jersey, One brown
Gelding for him the said Christian H Zabriskie One
Brown Mare for him the said Stephen Ryder, one Ches-
nut Gelding & one Brown Mare for Albert Voorhees also
a Subject of the State of New Jerseys; That the Sum of
one hundred and Ninety two Dollars & One Eighth, the
aforesaid Quantity of Cash siezed by Major Pauling and
now in the Possession of this Board is the overplus of
Monies belonging in different proportions to the above
several persons, or some of them, and intended to have
been expended in purchasing Horses in the same manner
as the above thirteen Horses were purchased.
Horses Resolved, that the said Thirteen Horses and the said
K^^jereey Sum of Mouey were Siezed within the State of New
Jersey by Major Albert Pauling an Officer in the Militia
of this State.
Terhune Resolved that the said Stephen Terhune had accepted
Projection ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ Time of the said Siezure, was, and still is
possessed of a Protection from Gen^ Howe, and that he
refused to deliver up the same and swear Allegiance to
these United States, when thereto lately required by the
Commanding Officer of a Detachment of Militia of this
State
Horses Resolvcd that in the opinion of this Board, the said
^Kr- Horses were procured by the said several Persons with
tentiSs Corrupt evil intentions either for the Use of the Enemy
or with a View solely to put off their Continental money,
and by that means depreciate the Value of the same,
Therefore
to be sold Resolved that the said sum of Money be detained by
this Board and that the said Thirteen Horses be sold at
publick Auction, that the proceeds thereof after deduct-
ing the Charges of Sale and Expence of keeping since the
Siezure, be also detained by this Board subject to the
disposal and determination of the Convention or future
Legislature of this State
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 167
Resolved, that Robert Boyd Esq"" be, and is hereby
requested and Authorized to superintend the said Sale,
and all persons having any of the said Horses in pos-
session are required to deliver the same to him for that
purpose, and that he be also Authorized to retain in his
hands and pay to the several persons to whom the same
may be due, the Charges attending the Sale and the Ex-
pence of keeping the said Horses as aforesaid and with all
convenient speed pay to this Board the neat proceeds,
and return a proper account Sales distinguishing therein,
not only what the said Horses severally sold for but
(where the same may be discovered) also the names of
the persons for whom they were respectively purchased,
as stated in this resolution, and in like manner an Acco*'
of the Expence for keeping each respective Horse.
Resolved that Brig"" Gen: Geor: Clinton be requested
to order the two remaining Horses to be deUvered to the
said Stephen Ryder & Christian Zabriskie.^^
Nathan Pierce Esq'' Chairman of the Committee of Benjamin
Pawlings Precinct appear'd before the Board & assured discharged
them that Benj* Prosser was a True and firm friend to
the American Cause, and that he must have been appre-
hended thro' Mistake.
Ordered, that the said Benj'^ Prosser be discharged
Board adjourned.
Sat" March P^ 1777. Board met
Present
All the Members
Stephen Rapelye being duly sworn saith that he never Stephen
acted as a Guide to the British Light Horse or any of Affidavi't'
their Army, neither did he aid or abett them in any other
Capacity since they arrived in America and further that
he has not purchased for Gold Silver or any Obligation
or other Consideration any Part of the Money now in
the Possession of this Board but that he received the said
Money at the full value each Bill specified.
Stephen Rapalje
"For letter to Gen. Clinton, see App. I, p. 430.
16g STATE OF NEW YORK
The Board taking into consideration the Case of
Stephen Rapelye
Stephen Resolved that upon his taking the Oath of Allegiance
tekKe to this State he be discharged, And that his Money now
Auifance in posscssion of this Board be returned him.
fharged M"" Rapclye appearing and voluntarily taking the Oath
of Allegiance, was discharged and his Money returned
to him accordingly
Benjamin Application having been made to this Board in behalf
mittedto of Benj^ Gero one of the disaffected persons removed out
sSZl"°"" of this State by Order of the late Committee for Con-
spiracies, &c*, that he might be permitted to return, and
it having been represented that the said Gero has a
Numerous family who stand greatly in need of his As-
sistance, and that he would willinly become a faithful
Subject to this State, and will for the future conduct
himself as a true friend to the American Cause.
Resolved, that the said Benj^ Gero be permitted to
return into this State again, and that the Committee of
the Town of Spencer in the Massachusets Bay be author-
ized to dismiss him accordingly, provided that previous
to his dismission he shall stipulate to them immediately
upon his return to appear before this Board & renounce
his Allegiance to the King of Great Britain & take and
subscribe the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Benjamin Benjamin Searle appearing and voluntarily taking the
dkcharged Oath of Allegiancc to this State
Ordered that he be discharged.
William William Akerly being duly Sworn deposeth and saith
ExSl- that he worked at the House of Reuben Williams from
the 4"" Day of December last until he was apprehended
by Major Graham, that the said Williams has been out
from home all Winter, except once that he came home
and tarried 4 or five days about a fortnight before John
White was killed. That this Deponent does not know
where the said Williams kept. This deponent further saith
that in the night before White was killed in the Morning,
about an Hour before Day, the said Williams came home,
in Company with John Garrison, Jacob Van Tassel,
tion
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 169
William Mead, Charles Parson, Frederick Fisher, and R^eben
another Man whose Name this Deponent does not know, wm S
That the most if not all the said Persons were Armed ^11^^^^
with Guns. That a little before Sunrise in the morning, Kr ctn-
some Rangers came to apprehend the said Persons, That thr^^irder
the said Persons went out of the house, and this Depo- »* white
nent immediately thereupon heard several Guns Fire,
but knows not who fired them that the said Persons then
run off, and after they had gone he discovered that John
White was killed. And further this deponent saith not.
his
William X Akerly
Test mark
Melancton Smith
William Akerly appearing before the Board, being a wunam
Lad of about fifteen years of Age and m the Opinion of Sa^rged
this Board an improper Person to have the Oath of Al-
legiance administered to him, and no evidence appearing
against him.
Ordered that he be discharged.
The above Will"" Akerly informs, that one Miller in
Lieu* Van Warts Comp^ to [ok] from him Five Dollars
Obadiah Akerly appear'd before this Board, & volun-
tarily took the Oath of Allegiance to this State. dSi'rged.
Ordered, that said Obadiah Akerly be discharged.
The above Obadiah Akerly informs, that Lieu^ Van Lieut* van
wart took from him £12.. 13.. a Silk Handker: Value SeYves
Two Dollars, a Pocket Book Value at 12/ & a Gun 30/ ^''""^
and that said Lieu* also took from Gilbert Purdy between
£11, & 12 £ in Cash
Elias Montross appearing before this Board & having EUaa
voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State tokesThl
Orderd that he be discharged dfsch^J^ed
Ordered, that Jack a Slave belonging to David Mont- jack a
ross be discharged, and given over to Elias Montross to discharged
deliver to his Master.
Gershom Wing permitted to go home to his family on cershom
parole of his returning to this Board when called for. i7"o!°'
Lieut' Van
Waert
Obaii
170 STATE OF NEW YORK
M"" Wing engaged to pay the Expence of a Messenger
when sent for
John John Palmer permitted to go home on Parole to return
Palmer . . ^ *=
on Parol here agam m Ten Days
Board adjourned.
Sunday March 2^ 1777. Board met,
Present.
Egbert Benson Esq''
Melancton Smith Esq""
Return The retum of the Proceedings relative to the Case of
Proceed- Malcolm Morrison Transmitted to Convention Viz. Pro-
tes^n ceedings of the 20^^ 22^^ & 23^ of December 1776, & of the
S' & 4^^^ of Jan^ & of Feb^ 18*^ 1777.^3
Board adjourned
Monday March 3" 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq*"
Col: Swartwout
Malancton Smith Esq"
Cap' Cap* Israel Smith appeared before the Board & in-
smlth's formed that he had inlisted Matthew Robinson, Alex-
en sworn ^j^^gj, Morey, Thomas Jackson Daniel Wardell & Walter
Willson, in the Continental Service during the War, &
as there is no Magistrate, or Judge Advocate in this place
requested that this Board would administer to them the
Oath prescribed in such Case
The said Five Persons appeard & was Sworn accord-
ingly
The Board taking into consideration the Case of Har-
rison Palmer, apprehended with a Considerable Sum of
Money the 23*^ Jan^ last.
Harrison Resolved that about Two hundred & ten Pounds of
Palmer s
teTOintd ^^^ ^^^^ money was brought from Long Island since it
"Printed in Cal Rev. MSS., I, 663-667; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I,
812, 823.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 171
was in possession of the Enemy, & belongs (except
£12. .18. .8) to the Copartnership of the said Harrison
Palmer & Charles Doughty; That the said Sum of
£12.. 18.. 8 was delivered to the said Harrison Palmer
by William Titus to be laid out for his best advantage.
That the remaining part of the said Money also belongs
to the said Copartnership, and was received by the s*^
Harrison Palmer in different parts of this State at the
Time of each respective receipt not in the possession of
the Enemy. That the said Charles Doughty & WilHam
Titus resided on Long Island when the Enemy took pos-
session thereof, & without being made Prisoners of War
have continued to reside there still That the said Har-
rison Palmer intended & was advised thereto by the said
Charles Doughty to lay out the above Monies belonging
to their Copartnership in purchasing real Estate, or to
put the sum out at Interest. That the said Harrison
Palmer left the City of New York in the Month of Aug"*
last & has resided since at North Castle West Chester
County.
Resolved. That this Board will detain the above Sum
of £ 12 . . 18 . . 8, & the Moiety of the said Charles Doughty
of the said Monies (amount^ to £525. .4. .71/4) belong-
ing to the Copartnership as aforesaid Subject to the
disposal & Determination of the Convention or future
Legislature of this State.
Previous to the Board's finally determining upon the
above Resolutions M"" Palmer appeared and his former
Exam" being read to him, he affirmed that he Imagined
there must have been a mistake, for that he never in-
tended to lay out the whole of the Money in purchasing
Horses but only to buy One, or Two at the most for his
Immediate Use, and that the Money he brought with
him from Long Island was at least Two Hundred & Ten
Pounds TT T.
Hakrison Palmer
Resolved, That the remaining moiety of the said
Monies be delivered to the said Harrison Palmer, and
that he be discharged.
172
STATE OF NEW YORK
Col°
Ritzema's
Case de-
termined
Cap*
Bellknap
Karches to
N : Windsor
The Board taking into Consideration the Case of Ru-
dolphe Ritzema Esq'' and having maturely considered the
Depositions of the several Witnesses in the Minutes of
the Late Committee for Conspiracies &ca. respecting the
Charge exhibited against him.
Resolved that in the opinion of this Board the Charge
ag^* Rudolphus Ritzema Esq"" of his having been in the
City of New York since it was in the possession of the
Enemy, is not supported, and that he be acquitted
thereof accordingly.
Resolved that Rudolphus Ritzema Esq'" be discharged
The Board having been informed that M'' Ritzema had
of late frequently declared Sentiments unfreindly to the
American Cause and that Mess""^ Rysdick and others
could prove the same and these Witnesses having been
cited & examined with respect to the Matter it appeared
to the Board that tho' he might relative to some Measures
now persuing by the Country have expressed himself im-
properly yet that it proceeded rather from Disgust and
Disappointment in being dismissed the Service than from
Disaffection or Enmity to the Cause and Rights of
America
Resolved however that previous to his Discharge in
Consequence of his acquittal he be apprized of this In-
formation and the Result of the Enquiry respecting the
Truth of it, and that he be admonished and directed to
be more circumspect in his Behaviour and Conversation
for the future.
Cap^ Belknap Order'd to March with his Comp^ to New
Windsor agreeable to the resolution of the Committee of
Safety.
Board Adjourned.
Board met pursuant to Adjournment
March 4*^ 1777.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Col: Swartwout
Malancton Smith Esq"^
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 173
Stephen Purdy appeard before the Board & produced Stephen
an Acco'^ f or Wood of £ 1 . . 8. £i:8:o
Ordered that the above Acco* be paid, and was paid
accordingly.
Whereas Petitions from a great Number of Persons convention
removed from this, into the New England States for S^oT*"
disaffection or treasonable practices, have been presented femoTd
to the late Committee for Conspiracies &ca, and to this state!**"
Board, praying leave to return, and offering most of them
to submitt to a legal trial, and the greater part to become
faithful Subjects of this State, and whereas many of the
Persons so removed as aforesaid have returned again
without Permission
Resolved, that a Letter ^^ be wrote to the Convention
requesting their advice & direction in the Premises.
George Brinkerhoff & John Brinkerhoff appeared be- Application
fore the Board and presented a Petition from their o'jSSIt
Brother Garret Brinkerhoff now Confined in Norwich Brinkerhoff
Goal State of Connecticut by order of the Committee of
that Place, praying to be relieved.
George Brinkerhoff being duly sworn Deposeth & Saith
That in November 1775 he paid his Brother Garret
Thirty Eight pounds, the greater part in Gold & Silver,
That in March following he paid him Sixty pounds, the
whole in Gold, except a few pence. That soon after the
last paym* the said Garret left this part of the Country
with intention as he said to go to Maryland, or Virginia, or
some where to the southward. That the Deponant did not
hear from his Brother again 'till after the Battle of Long
Island, when he was informed that he belonged to some
of the Southern Troops, and that the first Intelligence
the Deponent received of him after that time, was his
Letter informing him of his Confinement in Norwich.
And the Deponant further saith, that he thinks it highly
probable that his Brother unless he had expended the
same always carried his money with him, having no
family or fixed place of abode, And the Deponant further
saith, that from the Commencement of the present
"App. I, p. 431.
174 STATE OF NEW YORK
Troubles till his departure from this place, said Garret
was always warmly & zealously engaged in the American
Cause and the Deponant has never heard, neither has he
any reason to beheve that his Brother, since his Depar-
ture has either Changed his principles or Conduct re-
specting the present Measures pursued by this Country
for the Establishment of its Liberty.
George Brinckerhoff
John Brinkerhoff being duly sworn Deposeth & saith
That he was not privy to the payment of the money by
his Brother George to his Brother Garret but believes it
to be true, That George paid to Garret money to the
above amount, as the Deponant knew that he was in-
debted to said Garret, That with respect to Garret's leav-
ing this part of the Country & going to the southw*^ &
the Information of his belonging to the southern Forces
and also with respect to Garret's constantly earring his
money with him and also with respect to the poHtical
Character & Conduct of the said Garret concerning the
present Troubles, the Deponant intirely concurrs with
his Bro. George.
John Brinckerhoff
Sheldon— Whereas it appears to this Board that Joseph Sheldon
wfng— has been concerned in inlisting Men, as an officer in the
g^tfe^ Enemys Service & that the following Persons viz. John
sheid^ Finch, W" Wing, Thomas Brigs, Roger Cutler, Daniel
Hoofebome Craue, Nathan Sheldon, Enoch Hoags Jacob Hogeboom
^an^chace Daniel Chace Sen'" & Talman Chace are Persons highly
cha<^ disaffected and dangerous Enemies to the Cause of
American Liberty, and either actually were enlisted
themselves or were privy to the enlisting of Men for the
Service of the Enemy.
Resolved that the above Persons, be committed to the
Goal at Kingston in Ulster County, there to remain until
the further Order of this Board or the Convention or
future Legislature of this State, And the Keeper of the
siad Goal is hereby required to receive and keep them in
close Custody.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 175
Cornelius C. Bogardus & Elizabeth his wife being sev- Depostion
erally duly sworn depose and say, that they resided in glSus*
New York during the last Summer, that while they were ai^^"*
there Garret Brinckherhoof came to their House and Bri^erhot
informed them that he belonged to the Southern Troops.
That the Deponents saw the said Brinckherhoof in the
ranks with the said Troops when they Marched in. That
the Deponents understood the said Brinckherhoof be-
longed to one of the Battallions of rifle men, That the
Deponents understood that he went over with the Bat-
talions to Long Island & was in the Battle there, That
they were told by some of the officers & soldiers who were
with him at their house, after the Regiment returned
from Long Island, that the said Brinckherhoof was either
killed in the Battle there or taken Prisoner and that the
said Garret had with him at the time the Deponents saw
him in New York Gold & Silver to a considerable amount
And further these deponents say not.
CORNELIS C BOGORDIS
her
Elizabeth X Bogardus
mark
Attest
Henry Peckwell
Eesolved, that a Copy of the proceedings of this Board pjoceed-
relative to the case of Garret Brinkerhoff be transmitted oa^et**
to the Committee of Norwich in a Letter informing them ^ Knt*
of the Character of the several Witnesses *° ^*"^'*
Samuel Outhouse having voluntarily taken the Oath sam»
of Allegiance to this State was discharged Sarged
Michael Lownsbury was discharged ^ichi
Board adjourned. Lownsbury
Wednesday March 5"" 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq""
176 STATE OF NEW YORK
Alex' M"" Nathaniel Foster appeared before this Board and
Estate' Informed that he & Simeon Ryder members of Commit-
Me^s"''^ tee in South East Precinct, Dutchess County had siezed
fcRyder Certain personal Estate belonging to Alex"" Grant Esq""
now with and in the Service of the Enemy, and applied
to this Board for their advice and direction,
to be sold Resolved that Mess""^ Foster & Ryder dispose of the
Estate so seized by them, at publick Vandue, (except
such Article [s] thereof as are wanted for the use of the
Army which are to be transmitted to this place imme-
diately, and that they make return of their proceedings
to this Board with all convenient speed.
Moss Kent Thls Board being informed that Moss Kent Esq"" as
(rom'pLy. Executor to his late Father is indebted to said Alexander
^ngmoney Q^^^^ "g^g^r ^^^ ^j^j^ ^^^ jj^ ^j^g Scrvlce of the Euemy.
Resolved, that M"" Kent detain the money due to M'
Grant as aforesaid, and not to pay the same to him or
any person in his behalf 'till the further order of this
Board, or the Convention or future Legislature of this
State.
Benj« Resolved, that M" Nathaniel Foster be authorized to
beappre- causc Benjamin Chace to be apprehended, & Convey'd
hended. ^^ ^j^.^ place and that this Board will defray the Expence
thereof, and all Officers civil & military are required to
afford M"" Foster all necessary assistance.
jon« Jonathan Rodgers appearing before this Board and the
Confesses two suspectcd passcs of Timothy Petit & Jacob Jackson
Sg'Ld'thf being shewn to him, he confessed they were his hand-
oKItT writing, and that he subscribed the name of Eliah
Yeomans thereto, without his knowledge or Consent and
in Extenuation of his Offence, says he was intoxicated
with Liquor at the time he forged them
Jonathan Rogers
Jackson
Bogera
Resolved that the said Jonathan Rogers be committed
committed ^^ q^^j ^£ Poughkeepsle til the further Order of this
Board or the Convention or future Legislature of this
State and the keeper of the said Goal is hereby required
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 177
to receive & keep the said Jonathan Rogers in close
Custody accordingly.
Coll: Swartwout present.
Wilberd Duel being Examined, saith, That he left wiibur
Deuel'g Ex-
home about the Time that the prisoners were sent from am^Ltion'
the Nine Partners to New England, with a design to go
to Dartmouth on a Visit to his Friends, That in the
Oblong at the house of One Smith near the Quaker Meet-
ing house, he met with Doct: Tobias, Joseph Tobias &
Tho^ Tobias, who persuaded him to accompany them to
Long Island, this Examinant objected against going with
them, alledging that he did not chuse to take up Arms
against the country. That Doct. Tobias assured this
Exam' that he wou'd not be obliged to take up Arms,
That thereupon he went in Company with the said
Tobias to West Chester, that on their way down they
stopped at the house of One Cap* Thiel's at Amewalk,
from thence they went to the house of one Justice Dean
near the White Planes and from thence to the Enemy.
This Exam* further saith, that he went from West Ches-
ter in Comp^ with the above persons to Flushing on
Long Island, and tarried there better than a Month at
the house of One William Row. That the Number of
Men commanded by Governor Brown, and raised in this
Country were Quartered at Flushing That Doct : Tobias
frequently solicited this Examinant to engage in the
Enemies Service, and offer'd him a place of a Lieu* or
Ensign, that this Exam* refused to Engage being de-
termined not to take up Arms against the Country
This Exam* further saith that while he was on the
Island he understood of Joseph Tobias & others, that
Thomas Tobias had come up into Dutchess County in
order to Engage Men in the Enemies Service. This
Exam* further saith that he crossed from Long Island
into West Chester County & from thence went into New
York in order to get his Brother, who was there sick in
the Hospital to return home with him, and that he
tarried there but one night, & then set out in Company
178
STATE OF NEW YORK
with his Brother in order to return home, That they
were apprehended by Cap* Dean, at the house of One
Vantassel & bro* prisoners to Peeks Kill,
WiLLBERT Deuel
Benjamin
Howard
John Crum
Ja» Kent
Sam'
Drinkwater
WiUa
slave of
Palmer
Jack d° of
Talentine
Pompey d°
of Wallace
appre-
Oap*
Godwin's
Men Sworn
Letter
wrote to
Convention
about Es-
tates of
Tories
Sergeant Switcher appeared and produced a Letter
from Gen^ M"" Dougal informing that he had sent to this
Board Seven Prisoners Viz*
James Kent } charged with alter^ the Curr^
Benj^ Howard 5 of this State
John Crum of hav^ plundered
Sam^ Drinkwater suspected of hav^ been with
Rogers
Will a slave belonging to Benj^ Palmer of Froggs
Neck
Jack d° to M'" Valentine of Westchester County
Pompey d° to M"" Wallace of New York, taken
going to the Enemy.
Sergeant Switcher also deliv[er]ed to the Board, 198
Dollars 6^/8^ the Property of Sam^ Drinkwater, and a
number of Bills supposed to be altered by Kent & How-
ard & a Gun belonging to Benj^ Howard
Cap* Godwin appeared before the Board, and informed
that he had inlisted Three Men Jacob Roosa & James
Daily & James Garden in the Continental Service during
the War, & as there is no Magistrate or Judge Advocate
in this place, requested that this Board would administer
to them the oath prescribed in such Case.
Whereas this Board in the Course of their Enquiries
have discovered that the Estates of Persons who are gone
off to the Enemy are daily sold or wasted
Resolved, that a Letter ^^ be wrote to the Convention
informing them of the matter
Board adjourned
Thursday— March 6*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M"" Benson
M-^ Smith
"See App. I, p. 432.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 179
Ordered that Eighteen Dollars be paid to M"" Peckwell is couars
on Account and the same was paid him accordingly Peckweii
Cap* Samuel Smith appeard before this Board and wm— a
offered to take Will a negro slave belonging to Benj^ Pa(me°r
Palmer now in the Guard house, and to provide him with tocapt
necessary cloathing & Diet, and to allow reasonable
wages for his Labour, and to account to this Board for
the same. Provided that if the said Negro should go off
before he has earned sufficient to defray the Expence
of his Clothing & Maintenance, that this Board will make
good the deficiency to the said Cap* Smith and this Board
agreeing to the proposals of Cap* Smith
Resolved that the said Negro be delivered to Cap*
Smith accordingly
M'' Israel Lewis appeared before this Board, and made jack— a
the same proposals as the above with respect to Negro fol^ietl'
Jack belonging to M" Valentine, which this Board leHvere'd
agreeing to Lewlt^
Ordered, that the said Negro Jack be delivered to the
said Israel Lewis
Whereas it appears to this Board, that Nathaniel Nath'
Ackerley, Jesse Holms & Peter Wood were inlisted and hSs
have been some time in the service of the Enemy, and sfm^^woS
Whereas John Claw & Samuel Wood, are highly disaf- committTd
fected & Inimical to the American Cause, & have been
with the Enemy.
Resolved that the above persons be confined in the
Goal at Poughkeepsie, and the keeper of the said Goal
is hereby required to receive and keep them in close
Custody until the further Order of this Board or the
Convention, or future Legislature of this State.
Resolved, that if it should appear to M*" Brooks Brooks to
Keeper of the Goal at Poughkeepsie, that either of the Snera^
Six persons committed to his Custody by Resolution of
this Board should be unable to Subsist themselves and
in consequence of such inability Hkely to suffer, That he
provide such at the rate of Ten Shillings ^ week for each
person including a reasonable Compensation to him for
procuring the provisions, & that this Board will defray
of
180 STATE OF NEW YORK
the Expence thereof, & that he transmit his Acco*'^ to this
Board from Time to time for payment.
Committee Resolvcd that a Letter be wrote to the Committee of
Ditto"^^ ° Kingston requiring them to provide such of the pris-
oners sent to their Goal by order of this Board, with
provisions and this Board will defray the Expence thereof
Board adjourned
Friday March 7*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M"" Benson
M^ Smith
Col: Swartwout
B^'^inon Resolved, that Lewis Bryan be permitted to return
Parol home on his parol 'till further order of this Board, or the
Committee of the North East Precinct
M"" Stephen Akins appeared before the Board, and in-
formed that he had brought prisoner Doct: Jonathan
Prosser who he had apprehended pursuant to an order
of this Board.
Ordered, that the said Doct: Prosser be delivered into
Custody of the Guard.
Stephen Akins produced his Acco* for apprehending
Prosser amount^ to £ 6. .6. .8.
Stephen Ordered that the said Stephen Akins be paid the same,
Akins paid p • i i • i
£6.6.8 & was paid accordmgly.
«amiiied Stephen Akins being duly sworn Deposeth & saith,
That on Tuesday Evening last being out with a party
of Men by order of the Committee of Pawlings Precinct,
he met on the Road two Men which he stopped & Ex-
amined, that upon Enquiry he discovered that one of
them was Doct. Prosser & having before heard that there
was an Order of this Board for apprehending him, he
took the said Prosser into Custody and confined him
under Guard. This Deponent further saith that he had
considerable Conversation with the said Prosser while
he was in his Care, that in the course of said conversation
he the said Prosser informed him that he had orders to
Jonathan
Prosser
appre-
hended
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 181
take down the Names of those who were friends to Gov-
ernment, that he had received such orders within a fort-
night from the Governor of New York. That he wrote
to and received Letters from General How, that he fre-
quently expressed his surprize that this Deponant was so
deceived, and told this Deponant that he could be of
more service to him than he Imagined He farther in-
formed this Deponant that the Enemy would be here by
the 23"^ of April or May. The said Prosser frequently
Declared that he was a True Subject to the King of Great
Britain and further this Deponant saith that he receiv'd
the most of the above information, from the said Prosser
when he was Elevated with Liquor & off his Guard. And
further this Deponant saith not.
Stephen Akin
Lieu*' Weisinfels informed this Board, that the follow-
ing Persons, (prisoners) ordered to be convey'd to
Poughkeepsie Goal, had Escaped from the Guard house,
and were not delivered him, Viz^ Joseph Sheldon, Roger
Cutler, & Jesse Holmes & Peter Wood
Lieu* Weisinfels farther informs, that Moses Knapp
is not able to travel on foot and requests an Order to
impress a Horse for him.
Resolved that Lieu'' Weisinfels be impowered to hire
or impress a Horse for that purpose, and to draw on this
Board for the payment of the same.
The officer of the Guard reports that States Williams, wniiams
Anthony Kennedy & Elias Prosser have made their JpTos^r
Escape from the Guard House ''''^'
Samuel Baker who was formerly confined to the house Baker
of M"* Ja^ Weeks & had escaped from thence and been Inegfance
on Long Island appeared before this Board, and con- and'isdis*^
fessed that he was greatly in fault in so escaping & going ""^"'^^^
to Long Island and being one of the People called Quak-
ers Does solemnly affirm and Declare that he believes in
his conscience no allegiance is due from him to the King
and Crown of Great Britain, and accordingly Does De-
claim all allegiance to said King & Crown. And does
Sheldon
Cutler
Holmes
Wood
escape
182 STATE OF NEW YORK
most solemnly affirm, that he considers himself as a
Subject of the State of New York and that he will
demean himself as a good subject of said State, in like
manner as he heartofore considered and Demeaned him-
self as a subject of the King & Crown of Great Britain.
Sam^ Baker
Ordered that the said Sam* Baker be discharged
Letter Rlch*^ Suedickcr, Esq"" & Doct. Stephen Thome appeard
H^p^hL before this Board, and dilivered a Letter^*' from the
Committee of Safety of New Hampshire, Inform^ that
Mess^^ Snedicker, John Cook, Matthias Cook, Sam* Mabit,
Joseph Mabit, Stephen Thorne, Jon^ Thorn, Alex'' Hair,
Solomon Haight, Tim° Doughty & Elisha Rose were
permitted to return & visit their families — That Rogers's
prisoners had been Exchanged and sent to Rhode Island
—That Benj^ Morrell, John Lawson & W" Slack had
escaped — That Maj"" Ross & [space left blank] Vande-
bergh Esq"" had absconded.
Resolved, that the above Letter be transmitted to
Convention.
(3^pt Cap* Wright appear'd before this Board, & informed
Ml?^'om that he had inlisted four Men, Viz* James Waterman,
Mich* Barret, Tho^ Golding & Hambleton Denning in
the Continental Service During the War, and took the
Oath prescribed in such Cases
oapt Cap* Johnston, appear'd & informed that he had in-
meTswom Hsted John WaUace, Peter Adley & Natthan Upright
and they took the Oath as above,
capt Cap* Codwise appeared & informed that he had inlisted
SHIfwom for Cap* Hallet's Comp^ James Bridges, Matthew Rob-
inson, Joseph Ketchum, James Bailey, James Parker,
Thomas Ward, & William White, & they took the Oath
prescribed as above.
Tim, Timothy Pettet appeared & Voluntarily took the oth
Sharged of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered, that he be discharged.
"App. I, pp. 425-427.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 183
Cap^ Calkin appeared before the Board, and informed Benj»
that he had apprehended Benjamin Chace, agreeable to p^^eSed
an order of this Board of the 5^^ Instant.
Benj^ Chace appearing & being Examined
Ordered, that he be permitted to return home on his
parol.
Resolved, that Beverly Chace be discharged
Joseph Smith, John Jabine, Edward Edwards, & capt
William Night, Soldiers inlisted in Cap'' Rikers Company, Men^^om
Col: Cortlandt's Reg* took the Oath prescribed in such
Cases.
The Board were Inform'd that Gideon Byce had made ^^^^^^^
his Escape. Spes.
Lieu* Shaw appeared before the Board, & informed j^mes
he had apprehended James Worden a Deserter from Cap* ce^erte/
Pierce's Comp^ by Col: Ritzema's Reg* the last Cam- ^uTeS^V
paign, & who had been furnished out of the publick Store prfhendoi
with a Musket & Accoutrements Valued at £ 4 . . 10, ^?;aw^& ^is-
which at the time of his Desertion he lost, and the said charged on
' his produc-
James Worden Confessing the above Charge & engaging jj"|^g^„"°
within one fortnight to produce either the said Musket *a''7n'to
&ca, or to pay for the same & Lieu* Shaw becom^ Security ff ^oard^
for said Ja^ Worden for the performance of his Engagem*^ Sor^^*?
Ordered that he be discharged.
Board adjourned
MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS OF CONSPIRACY
BNo2
March 8. 1777 to Sepf 23'* 1778
or
COMMITEE OF SAFETY
Saturday March 8*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M"" Egb* Benson
M"" Melancton Smith
John Crum appeared before the Board & Confessed johncrum
that he had taken about Six weeks ago, a Colt off from hirpTun-
froggs Neck, but understood it to be the General Orders HJrSom
that the Troops might take plunder from the places so Necl^''
near the Enemies Lines; And he farther Confessed, that
having lately been persuaded by some disaffected people
in his neighborhood, Viz* James Stewart, & Isaac Huson
& others whose Names he does not remember he had
determined to go to New York and applied to Gen^
M^'Dougal for a pass for that purpose who refused to
Grant it.
his
John X Crum
mark
Benjamin Howard being Examined, saith, that he did Benj-
confess to the Court of Enquiry that he had split one Examlna^-
Bill, but does not remember that he had confessed that ^°rning"the
he had passed it. That he was induced to make this Con-
fession thro' fear, for he now denies that he ever split the
Bills, — Does not admit the hand writing on the paper,
pasted on these Bills to be his, but thinks it possibly it
may be
Jacob Kent, being Examined, denies that he ever split jacob
any of the Bills, or was privy to their being split by any Exam:
others, or that he ever passed any of them, knowing them Jassl'ng
to be split or altered '''^^''''
Samuel Drinkwater who was lately apprehended upon
suspicion of his intending to go to the Enemy appearing
before this Board, & being Examined Skwater
187
splitting
the Bills
Denies the
fact
188
STATE OF NEW YORK
permitted
on parol to
go to New
Milford for
Testimoni-
als of his
Character
8 Dollars
6/8 given
him out of
his money.
John Miller
Cummins,
Dan'
Grawberger
Christ"
Haner John
Michael,
Jacob
Michael,
Isaac
Garrison —
ordered
to New
Windsor
Tho»
William-
son his
Examin"
respect*
Robbery
on Adolph
Degrove
Resolved that he be permitted to go on his parol to
New Milford, in Connecticut, in order to procure from
the Committee of that place Testimonials of his Char-
acter as a Friend to the American Cause.
The sum of Eight Dollars, Six ShilF^ & Eight pence
was paid to him out of his money in possession of this
Board to defray the Expences of his Journey
In pursuance of an Order of the Committee of Safety
in this State of the 6'^ of Jan^ last.
Resolved, that John Miller, Nicholas Row, Nathaniel
Cummins, Dan' Grawberger, Christopher Haner, John
Michael, Jacob Michael Isaac Garrison Disaffected per-
sons taken within this State, be sent under Guard to
New Windsor, and put under the Direction of Cap*
Mitchen and employed in the Works carrying for the
obstruction of the Navigation on Hudson's River — and
that Cap^ Mitchen be requested to keep a Watchful Eye
over them, & use his utmost endeavours that none of them
Escape
Thomas Williamson of Phillipses Precinct, Dutchess
County being Examined saith, that as he was going home
from Absalom Nelson's on Sunday the 23*^ Ult° some
time in the Evening he met two Men on the Post Road
near Rogers's — That the said two Men stopped the
Exam* & demanded his money of him — That he there-
upon told them that he had but very httle money by him
only three Dollars which he offered to give them — That
the said Two Men then Informed him that they were
going to One Hopper's & promised if he would go with
them, they would suffer him to keep his money
That the Exam* complied with their request, & went
with them to Hoppers, — That when they came to Hop-
pers, they went into the House and enquired the way to
Adolph Degrove's — That when they left Hoppers in
Order to go to Degroves, they required the Examinant to
follow them, threatening him if he refused That when
they came near Degroves, they Informed the Exam* of
their intentions to Rob, — That the Exam* thereupon
declared to them his unwilhngness to be concerned —
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 189
That the Exam^ & the said two persons then went into
the House of Said Degrove, & desired him to provide
some Victuals for them which he accord^ly did, & having
done it he return'd into Bed again That immediately
after one of the said two men whose Christian Name is
John, but whose surname the Exam* does not remember,
went up to the Bed-side with a Pistol & presenting it to
Degrove, ordered him to get up & deliver his Money, —
That the Exam* then took hold of the said John & begg'd
him for God's sake not to Commit Murder — That De-
grove thereupon arose & opening his Desk took out a
Quantity of Money which the said Two Persons took &
carried off with them. That the said Persons also took
a Gun & a Powder Horn, but the Exam* does not remem-
ber of their taking anything Else. That the said two
persons then left Degroves & the Exam* with them to
go as they informed the Exam* to one Jecock's who lived
in the neighborhood, — That on the road to Jecock's they
stopped at One Denny's where they breakfasted — That
after they had left Denny's about a Quarter of a Mile,
the Examinant requested them to let him have the Gun
& the powder Horn, telling them that Degrove ought to
have it again, & that the Exam* would put it where he
could get it again, whereupon they threatened the Exam*
with his life — That shortly after the Exam* left them —
That the Examinant at the Time he first met the said two
persons was intoxicated with Liquor, & continued in a
State of intoxication until the next Morning, and denies
that he received any part of the said Money or any other
thing that was taken at Degroves that Night, and De-
clares that the whole which was taken was carried off by
the said two persons. The other of the said two persons
called himself John Campbell & further saith not
his
Thomas X Williamson
mark
Resolved, that Thomas Williamson charged before this
Board with a Robbery be Committed to the Goal in
liamson,
orderd to
190
STATE OF NEW YORK
Poughkeep-
sie Goal
17 Persons
inllsted
in Cap*
Graham's
Oomp"
Sworn
4 soldiers
inlisted
in Cap*
Dewit's &
Lawrences
Companies
the Names
of Soldiers
Inlisted &
Sworn to
be discon-
tinued in
the Mints
Poughkeepsie, & the keeper of the said Goal is hereby-
required to receive & keep him in Close Custody, until
he be discharged by a Due course of Law.
The following persons (soldiers inlisted into Cap*^
Graham's Comp^ in the Continental Service) appeared,
and took the oath prescribed in such Cases, Viz* John
Obryan, Barnabas Peterson, Philip Lany, Phihp Jenkins,
John Grobin, John Paderick, Evans Jones, Hugh Davis,
Arthur Lamb, John Smith, John Thompson, Zachariah
Sickles, Richard Wheeler, Benjamin Whitemore, Mat-
thew Bull, George Claxton & John Brown Serge* Major.
Also in Cap* Dewit's Company for said Service John
Closs, & James Fletcher
Also, Two for Lieu* Lawrence, Viz* [Names not
entered]
It appearing unnecessary to Enter on the Minutes the
Names of the Soldiers who appear & are Sworn in the
Continental Service, the Board determined to discontinue
it for the future
Board adjourned
Monday March 10*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M-" Benson
M'- Smith
M"^ Swartwout.
Fred'= Reed
discharged
from Cap*
Myrick's
Comp*
Peter M
Contine &
Joseph
Strang
added to
this Board
Sergeant Fred'' Reed of Cap* Myrick's Comp^ applying
to this Board for a Discharge, and it appearing to the
Board, that there are a greater Number of Sergeants than
there ought to be in proportion to the privates.
Ordered, that he be discharged accordingly.
The Board rec*^ a Letter from M"' Secr^ Benson, inclos-
ing the following Resolutions, Viz*.
A Resolution ^ from Convention of the 7*^ Ins* adding
Peter M Contine, & Joseph Strang, Esq'"^ to this Board.
A Resolution,^ from Convention of the above Date
respecting Dangerous & disaffected Persons sent into A
^Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 827.
'Ibid., I, 827.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 191
confined in the Neighbouring States — Filed among the Resolution
Papers, and A Resolution =^ from Convention of the 8"' pereons"?e-
Ins^ and referring to this Board, a Letter from Philip Section
Conyn Chairman of Cocsackie district inclosing certain *°^^«^"*
Deposition, relative to Richard Thurman. com"o^r"°
Resolved that a Letter be wrote to M"" Strang inform^ '^°*^^??^^'''^
c 1 • • • 1 • • T Thur-
hma of his appomtment, and requesting his immediate ^^^
,, J Letter to
attendance. m"- Strang
John Crum having inlisted in Cap^ Wright's Comp* [Sten^-
appear'd before the board & took the oath, whereupon he ]l^^^ ^.^^
was discharged. Discharged
The Board rec*^ a Letter from Brig"" M"" Dougall, in- Letter from
forming that he had sent to this place, Natthaniel Under- Dougaii"
hill, & that he would forward to this place M"" Gilbert Ntth^*^^
Honeywell, the Witness against him, and inclosing the ^°*^®*'"
Order of the Committee of Convention now in West
Chester County for apprehending the said Underbill ;
Also an Extract of a Letter from M'" Duar to him re-
spect^ the said Underbill.
Ordered, that Cap* Thomas Hoghteling apprehend Rich«
Richard Thurman and send him under Guard to this tobe"^?"
T\i prehended
Place. or by tlie
It being suggested to this Board, that there very prob- Richardson
ably was a Mistake, and that the person, who in the '^^"™^°
several Depositions of Tho^ Hoghteling, Com^ Conyn,
Richard Vandenbergh, Harmanus Cuyler & Henry Van
Berger is called Richard Thurman, is Richardson
Thurman
Ordered, That Cap* Hoghteling, make inquiry into the
matter; and if such should appear to be the Case That
he apprehend Richardson Thurman, the above Order
notwithstanding.
Resolved, that this Board will defray the Expence & the Board
thereof *° p^^ ^^^
LlieieOl. Expence
In pursuance of a Resolution of the Convention of this
State, of the 7*^ Instant.
Ordered, that all persons who have for notorious disaf- order for
fection to the Liberties of America, or other sufficient r"nfoveT*
^Ibid., I, 827-828.
192
STATE OF NEW YORK
fordisaffec- CausGS been sent to any of the Neighbouring States, &
thdrTetum who have since returned, or may hereafter return to this
& tekeThe State, either with or without permission, and all persons
*^*"' within this State confined by parol or to their respective
Farms or Dwelhngs, Do appear before this Board within
one week after they shall respectively know or hear of
this Order within this State and Comply with the Terms
of the said Resolution or that they be treated, and their
Estates disposed of, as by the said Resolution is Directed
— And in order to prevent the necessity of a particular
notification to each Individual,
Ordered, that Copies hereof to be subjoined to the
Resolution of Convention be published in Hand Bills,
and transmitted to the Chairman of the several County
Committees, who are directed to cause them to be dis-
tributed among the Inhabitants, and put up in all the
most publick places throughout their respective Counties
Gideon Boice appeared and voluntarily took the Oath
of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Board adjourned.
Gideon
Boice dis-
char[ge]d
on taking
the Oath
Tuesday, March IT^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M^ Smith
Col: Swartwout
Nathi
Underbill
appeared
with Doct :
White &
Joshua
Pine
Doct:
Whites
Exam" on
Oath re-
specting
Nathi Un-
derbill
Nathaniel Underhill Esq"" who was apprehended by
order of the Committee of Convention in West Chester
County, & sent to this place by by Gen^ M*" Dougall
appeared before the Board, and requested that Docf
Daniel White, & Joshua Pine might be Examined as
Witnesses in his Favour.
Docf Daniel White being Examined on Oath, Deposeth
& saith, That he is a Neighbour of Nathaniel Underhill
Esq"" That the said Underhill was reputed unfriendly to
the American Cause, previous to the Enemys coming into
West Chester — That after they had taken possession of
that place. This Deponant understood that the said
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 193
Underbill assisted as a Magistrate in administering the
Oath of Allegiance to the King of Great Britain, to divers
Inhabitants of the Borough of West Chester, — That
notwithstanding this, he had heard the said Underhill
in a Conversation had with him, a few days after his
assisting as above and while the British Army was in
possession of the Borough of West Chester, find great fault
with Governor Tryon for requiring the Inhabitants to
swear Allegiance, and further the said Underhill had
informed this Deponant, that he had been desired to
furnish a List of the persons who had taken the Oath,
which he refused, and declared that no Man should know
from hun who had taken the Oath, as the exposing of
them, might subject the Inhabitants to Inconvenience
& Injury. This Depon* further saith, that he has fre-
quently heard the said Underhill declare, that he did not
consider himself as a Magistrate, nor would he act in
that Office while the present Troubles lasted — That he
farther informed this Deponant that on a certain Time
he had been sent for to go to Kingsbridge to administer
the Oath to some people who had gone down out of the
Country, which he utterly refused — and farther this
Deponant saith, that he has reason to believe, that the
said Underhill did many kind & benevolent Offices to
the Inhabitants who were reputed friendly to the Ameri-
can Cause, while the British Troops were Quartered
among them and in their Neighbourhood — That this
Deponant has no reason to believe that the said Under-
hill ever endeavoured to Injure any of his Neighbours
on acco*^ of their Political principles since the British
Troops have been among them — That he does not recol-
lect that the said Underhill has either done, or said any
thing to the prejudice of the American Cause (which
has come to his certain knowledge) since the British
Troops took possession of West Chester. This Deponant
farther saith, That from the General Tenor of the said
Underbill's conduct so far as it has fallen under his notice
he has appeared to him more like a Friend to his Country
derhiU
194 STATE OF NEW YORK
& his Neighbours since the Enemy were among them
than before.
Dan^ White
Doct: White being further Exam^ saith, that the night
before M'" Underbill came up to the Committee of Con-
ven : he came to his house to ask his advice with respect
to his Cattle which had been drove off, and this Exam*
advised said Underbill to go up to the Committee about
them, and verily believes that that was his business up,
and that he had no designs unfriendly to his country in
going.
Dan^ White
Joshua Joshua Pine being Examined on Oath, Deposeth and
fmiMtfon saith, That the substance of Doct: Dan^ White's Ex-
S'un^ amination he knows to be true— That M"- UnderhiU
informed the Deponant, while the Enemy were in pos-
session of West Chester, that he was requested to return
a List of the Persons who had taken the Oath of Al-
legiance to the King of Great Britain, which he the said
Underbill had refused ; and to prevent their names being
known, he had committed the Hst to the Flames. This
Deponant further saith, that while he was imprisoned
by the British Troops, the said Underbill came to the
House of this Deponant, (as his family informed him)
and offered to furnish them with hard Cash for the use
of the Deponant, during his Confinement. This De-
ponant further saith That he came up in Company with
M'' Underbill to the Committee of Convention to Crom-
well's in Harrison's purchase. That M"" Underbill in-
formed him, and he has good reason to believe, his
Business there was to solicit the Committee of Conven-
tion for leave to take back some part of his Cattle which
had been drove off by their Order. That this Deponant
previous to the said Underbill's going up had advised
him to apply to said Committee in person, rather than
to employ any other person to apply in his behalf. That
this Deponant has no reason to believe that the said
Cap*
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES I95
Underbill had any designs inimical to the rights & Lib-
erties of America, in his going up to said Cromwell's
This Deponant further saith, that when the British
Troops were about removing from West Chester, he
asked the said Underhill, whether he had not an Inclina-
tion to go off with them — That the said Underhill replied
that he had rather go a prisoner to New England, than
to follow them.
Joshua Pine
Cap* Andrew Hill, appeared before this Board and
Informed that he has had Intelligence, that a certain Kaion
person, who calls himself Warren, was at Frederick wS^et^"*
Maby's at Shenedore Rumbout precinct, and from some aSnstJo*
circumstances has reason to believe that the said person ^i^ft***
was a Confederate with the Company that Robbed Henry pu°dJ&to
Williams Esq^ ^LTd ty
Cap'' Hill further informs that he has heard that ^^4k
Joseph Win, Nich^ Storm, & Enoch Purdy who have been
with the Enemy are returned home.
Ordered, that Cap* Myrick take with him Six Men,
and forthwith apprehend the above persons, and bring
them before this Board
William Mitchel,^ one of the persons formerly sent to wm-.
the State of New Hampshire, appeared before this Board, ciscSed
and Voluntarily took the Oath of Allegiance to this State S"^*^"
Ordered that he be discharged, and permitted to re-
main at his place of abode in Ulster County
Gilbert Shaw appeared before this Board, and being Gilbert
asked whether he would take the Oath of Allegiance to reminded
this State He answered, that he could not. hoS'e
Ordered that he be remanded to the Guard House. H^e^l^
Israel Tuttle, appearing, & taking the Oath of Al- J^^^*^^
legiance to this State. Tutje^
Ordered that he be discharged he^taSe
William Busby appeard, and Voluntarily took the Oath ^1 g^^^y
of Allegiance to this State. discharged
*-^ as ahnvp
as above
*See App. I, p. 432, for a letter about William Mitchell written by-
Gen. Clinton.
196 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered, that he be discharged.
AhasBuerus Ahasuerus Van kleek appeared and Voluntarily took
dfschar^ed the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Board adjourned
Wednesday, March 12^^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M' Smith — Col: Swartwout
Henry Heury Cropsy & William Wyant, two of the persons
w^^wytnt formerly sent to the State of New Hampshire appeared
fS:!"^ before this Board, & Voluntarily took the Oath of Al-
legiance to this State.
Ordered, that they be discharged.
5 Dollars Ordered, That Five Dollars be paid to Francis Pelham
peiham & & Asal Hutchlns, for assisting Cap^ Myrick in apprehend-
ing Francis Warren, & for other Services
John Palmer who was permitted to return home on his
permftted P^rolc, appeared & requested leave to return home again
onpLro™^ Resolved that the said Palmer be permitted to return
cdfy™'" ^^ ^^^ place of abode on his Parole, to return to this place
within six days from the date at which time he is to give
a final answer, whether he will take the Oath prescribed
in a Resolution of the Convention of the 7^^ Instant.
As Col: Cortlandt Marches with his Reg* tomorrow,
Ordered, that Lieu* Bowers with his Comp^ of Rangers
relieve the Guard over the Tory Prisoners at the Barracks
this Evening and take them in his Charge.
Mabee'8 Frederick Maby being duly sworn, Deposeth & Saith
vf^^efb That some time last Summer Francis Warren was at his
MontTosa housc, That Hcury Springer & Adam Montross from
Cortlandt's Mannor came there also. That this Depon*
saw the said Warren give a pass to the said Montross to
go to the Nine Partners, subscribed with the Name of
One Drake. This Deponant further saith that the said
Warren taught a School near Croten's Bridge previous
to his coming into this County. That he has taught a
School at Shanadore about Two Months past. That
Hutchins
John
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 197
the said Warren as this Depo* has understood was in
the County of West Chester at the Time the Robbery-
was Committed on Henry Wilhams Esq"" — That this
Depo^ has heard the said Warren say, that he could have
had part of the money taken from s"^ Wilhams had he
been so minded — and farther this Dep^ saith not.
FREDERICK MaBEE
Ordered, that Francis Warren be confined to the Guard barren
House in Irons '°"®"'**
Francis Carlisle, appear'd before the Board, & no cariisie
Evidence appearing against him, was discharged discharged
Asal Hutchins appeared before this Board, & being Hutchins's
sworn, saith, that he heard Frederick Mabee say, that he ^g^i^st
never would take the Oath of Allegiance to this State, ^""^^
unless it was to get out of Confinement that he might
join the Enemy if they came this way
ASALL HUTECHINS
Wilberd Deuel, appeard, & having Voluntarily taken wiiberd
the Oath of Allegiance to this State, ThTrged^
Ordered, that he be discharged
Gilbert Shaw, took the Oath of Allegiance to this State, Giib* shaw
and was also discharged discharged
Joshua Prosser appearing before this Board (& being joshua
one of the people called Quakers) Voluntarily affirming Sarged
Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
The Board Adjourned
Thursday March IS**^ 1777. Board Met.
Present
M" Benson
M'- Smith
Whereas it appears to this Board, That Silvester
Handly & Doct: Jonathan Prosser were privy to and
concerned in Inlisting men for the Service of the King
of Great Britain, And whereas it appears to this Board
198
STATE OF NEW YORK
Hanly,
Prosser &
Erkenbregh
committed
to Pough-
keepsie
Goal
John Shute
permitted
to go home
on his
parole for
six days
a number
of Tories
keep in the
Bam of
Jn"> : Yeo-
mana
Hutchins's
Deposition
[a] g: War-
that Henry Erkenbregh was One of the persons, who
rescued John M" Alpine lately apprehended for Treason-
able practices against the United States.
Resolved, that the said Silvester Handly, Jonathan
Prosser, & Henry Erkenbregh, be confined in the Goal
at Poughkeepsie, and the Keeper of the said Goal is
hereby required to receive & Keep them in Close Custody
until further Order of this Board, or the Convention or
future Legislature of this State.
John Shute, (one of the persons apprehended for
notorious disaffection in West Chester County, by the
Order of Gen^ Lee) appeared before this Board (& being
one of the People called Quakers) The affirmation di-
rected by the Convention of this State in their Resolu""
of the 7^^ Ins* was tendered to him, — The said Shute
requested leave to return home to his family & con-
sider it.
Resolved, that he be permitted to go to Singsing in
West Chester County on his parol to return to this place
within Six Days from this Date, then to give a positive
answer whether he will take the affirmation required in
the said Resolution, or Not.
Cap: Myrick appeared before the Board & informed
that he had brought prisoner, Francis Warren ordered
to be apprehended by this Board — And that Francis
Pelham Asal Hutchins & Frederick Maby were attending
as Witnesses — Cap* Myrick further informs that he has
rec^ intelligence that a Number of persons who have been
with the Enemy keep themselves concealed in a Barn of
John Yeomans.
Ordered that Cap* Myrick use his best endeavours to
apprehend the said persons without Delay, and to cause
them to be brought before this Board together with all
persons who have harboured, or concealed them.
Asal Hutchins being duly sworn Deposeth & Saith,
that Francis Warren has taught a School in Shanadore
for better than two months past. That the said Warren
was in that Neighborhood about three Weeks last Sum-
mer about harvest Time, that the Depon* saw him at
Warren
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 199
that time deliver a pass with the Name of Col: Drake
subscribed to it to Adam Montross & Henry Springer two
disaffected persons permitting them to go to the Nine
Partners, and further this Deponant saith not.
ASALL HUTCHINS
Francis Pelham being duly sworn Deposeth & Saith Peiham-s
That Francis Warren has been in the Neighborhood of aSt'°°
Shanadore about Two Months. That during that Time
he had frequent conversations with him, that in the
Course of these Conversations, said Warren informed the
Depon* that a certain discharge which the said Warren
had, & which he shewed this Depon* & which is now in
the possession of this Board, purporting that the said
Warren, had served in Cap* John Grinnell's Comp^ for
the space of Six Months & was discharged from the same,
Subscribed with the Name of John Grinnell, Cap* of Col:
Clinton's Reg* was wrote by the said Warren himself, &
not by Cap* Grinnell. The said Warren further informed
this Dep* that the better to Conceal the fraud, he had on
the Back of Said discharge drew an Acco* by which it
would seem that he had received in Goods £ 11 — & Bills
& Cash £ 5, being the Amount of Wages for Six Months
at 53/4 ^ month. This Deponant further saith that the
said Warren told him, that he had forged upwards of
seventy passes for different persons, in particular he had
forged a pass for a Man in Crum Pond, to which he sub-
scribed the Names of Lott Searles & Ezekiel Harris, two
of the Committee of Bedford Purchase, West Chester
County, and that he had described to the said person,
the person of Lott Searles the better to conceal the
forgery in case the pass should be suspected. This De-
ponant further saith that Josiah Seacord informed him
that the said Warren had Confessed he had been with
Rogers's Rangers. That Frederick Maby informed this
Depon* that the said Warren told him that he the said
Warren might have had part of the money taken from a
Man at Bedford New Purchase, which this Depon* sup-
poses to be Henry Williams Esq' if he had been so
200 STATE OF NEW YORK
minded. That this Deponant heard the said Warren say,
that General Washington was a Damn'd Rebel, and that
all the American Generals were Rebels, & said that he
this Dep* was a Rebel and that you are all Rebels, and
further this Depon* saith not
FRANSES PeLAM
Resolution Whcreas the Convention of this State did by Resolu-
B^eu to go tion ^ of the 7**" Ins* Direct & impower this Board to send
era stages*' for all such persons, members of this State as have for
the°retura notoHous Dlsaffectlon to the Liberties of America, or
removed"^ Other suflScient Causes been sent into the neighbouring
f^tio^^" States and to Deal with them as by the said Resolution
is Directed, as by the said Resolution may more fully
appear and whereas none of the said persons except such
as were directed to be closely confined in Goal are within
the Exception contained in the said Resolution
Resolved, That Lieu* Theodorus Brett be authorized
and required to proceed to the several Towns in the
States of Connecticut, Massachusets Bay & New Hamp-
shire, to which, persons have been so removed, and pro-
duce to the Committees or others having Charge of the
said persons, the said Resolution, and apply for & pro-
cure the releasm* and Discharge of the said persons
(except such as are actually confined in Goal) in order
to their return into this State again, and to collect the
Accounts of the Charges & Expences that may have
accrued in the keeping & Confining the said persons.
And also that he signify to the said Committees & others
who have thus taken Charge of the said persons. The
Thanks of this Board for their Care & trouble in this
Business, and to express to them the high sense this
Board has of their zeal & Attention in this Instance to
the Cause of America.
Ordered, that particular Letters be wrote to the Coun-
cil of Safety at New Hampshire,^ to Col: Welch, & to
the Committees of Worcester & Springfield.
• Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 827.
* Letter to the N. H. committee printed in App. I, p. 433. Other
letters not foimd.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 201
Resolved that £200.. be transmitted by Lieu* Brett £350.4.6
to the Council of New Hampshire, £60. to the Committee S^Brett
of Worcester & £40 — to the Committee of Springfield,
and that £50. 4/61/2 be given to Lieu* Brett, to discharge
small Acco*^ that may be due in the other Towns.
Note, the amount of the above Monies £ 350 . . 4 . . QVo
were taken out of the money of Harrison Palmer
M'" Egbert Benson paid into this Board the Sum of £26i..i3..6
£261:13:5 Cash received for their Use out of the Son into
Treasuiy of this State and for which the Treasurer has t^e Board
his receipt
The Sum of £9. .12. . advanced to Lieu* Bowers on £9..i2..
. ^ paid Lieu'
ACCO Bower
Board Adjourned
Friday March 14*** 1777. Board met.
Present
M'" Egbert Benson
M"" Melancton Smith
Josiah Seacord appeared, & being Duly Sworn, De- josiah
poseth & Saith, That Francis Warren was in the neigh- De^posuion
bourhood of this Depon* about Sowing time last fall, that warrl*
he left it as this Dep* understood, for fear of being appre- b'^een with
hended. That he return'd there again about two Months Ranges
ago. That this Dep* had understood from the said
Warren, since his return that he had been with Rogers's
Rangers. That the said Warren told him, that he had
seen Isaac Jeroe, & Isaac Jewell who are with the Enemy.
This Dep* further saith that the said Warren told him
that he might have had part of the money taken from a
Man at Bedford New purchase if he had been so minded.
This Dep* further saith that Wilham Jeroe informed him,
that the said Warren had given him a forged pass that hisforgins
he, this Dep* had asked the said Warren concerning it
& he confessed to this Dep* that he had given said Jeroe
such a pass. The Dep* further saith that the said
Warren talks much against the measures of the Country,
Informing that they had apprehended Isaac Seacord &
202 STATE OF NEW YORK
& appears to him an inveterate Tory, and further this
Deponant saith not.
his
JosiAH X Seacord
mark
Nathan Nathan Hoag, appeared before this Board, & having
ingThe " Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State,
dfschlrged Ordered, that he be discharged.
Board adjourned
Saturday March 15*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M^ Egbert Benson
A Letter A Lcttcr rcc^ from the Committee of New Milford,
from the
Com : of
?ord^t- sent him to this Board.
s^arord Isaac Scacord appearing & Cap* Storm pledging him-
self for his appearance again on Monday Morning was
dismissed.
Board adjourned
Sunday March 16*^ 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Egbert Benson
Col: Swartwout
ja" Week Resolved, that James Week, a Slave belonging to John
*nt°Ke Dusenberry, & Pompey, a Slave belonging to M'" Wallace,
Works i^Q^]^ apprehended in going to the Enemy be sent to the
works at New Windsor
a Letter A Letter was rec*^ from the Convention referring to
comm'^of this Board a Letter from Ehhu Marvin Esq"^ Chairman
about per- of the Committce of Goshen of the 11*^ Inst* Informing
iTeSby' that they had apprehended & Confined in Irons Several
*^^^ persons avowedly & pubhckly appearing to be inimical
to the American Cause, & that Attempts had been made
to assist the said persons in breaking Goal & requesting
that a sufficient Guard might be constantly kept there.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 203
Resolved, That Cap* Joshua Myrick proceed to cap*
Goshen, and apply to the Committee or others having sentto
Charge of the said persons for them, and convey them to *" ^
this place.
Resolved that the Committee of Goshen transmit to
this Board, the Charges against the said several Persons
together with all the Evidence and information they are
possessed of respecting the same.
Mess""^ Hoevenbergh, Scott, & Lewis appeared and orawberger
informed that they apprehended Henry Grawberger, & retakfn'^
Jacob Wager who lately Escaped out of the Guard
House & conveyd them from Rhinebeck to this place.
Board adjourned
Monday, March 17*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
A Letter from the Committee of Claverick informing a Letter
that they had sent, by Adjutant Van Allen, the following com:*of
persons Viz* Michael Goes, Eli Parsons, Johannis Joch™
Claverick
Informs
that they
Van Valkenburgh, Peter Joch"" Van Valkenburgh, Jocham had appre-
hended
Willson Bartholomew L Van Valkenburgh, for Contuma- Mich' Goes.
ciously refusing to give Evidence respecting a Supposed sons, jo-
conspiracy & Hendrick Wolff & Hendrick Sharpe for re- vaikeL ^
fusing to take the Oath of Allegiance when tendered to vTvaiken-
, burgh
tnem Joeham
And further informing that a certain Archibald M'^ Barthwv:
" Valken-
bura:h ;
^ . , Hendrick
an apparent design to converse with Johannis Klaw & Srick
others, his Character being Infamous, think it proper Sharpe
that he should be apprehended & closely confined. Kay to be
Ordered that Adjutant Van Alen be paid the sum of tended
Kay makes a practice to Ride down in these parts with ^^
£ 14. .for the above Service of himself & Seven Men as paidM^
a Guard to the above Prisoners, as ^ Acco* & rec* vanAien
M'^ Crimpshire producing his Acco* for three Day's M^orimp-
Services as Secr^ to this Board amo*^ to £ 1 .. 16. fi!.lt^
Ordered, that the same be paid
buying
Horses for
the Enemy
204 STATE OF NEW YORK
John The Wife of John Palmer appeared and Informed that
fSposed her husband was very 111 so that he could not attend
agreeable to his parol.
Resolved, that he be permitted to remain at home
during his Indisposition, and immediately upon his re-
covery to appear before this Board
Board adjourned
Tuesday, March 18^^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq"
Col: Swartwout.
Michael Lieu* Tho^ Ostrander appeared & informed that he
S^dS had by order of Lieu^ Col: Brinkerhoff apprehended &
brought to this place, Mich^ Ryer, suspected of purchas-
ing Horses for the Use of the Enemy.
The said Mich^ Ryer appearing & confessing that he
lives a few miles to the Northw*^ of Kingsbridge & within
the Enemy's Lines, and that he had purchased two
Horses, One from Joseph Jackson for £35 & the other
from [space left blank] Kipp (Brother in Law to Lieut:
Langdon) for £20: 70
Resolved, that the said Horses be returned to the said
Joseph Jackson & [space left blank] Kipp severally And
that they receive again the Horses by them respectively
sold & refund and pay to this Board the Monies they
have severally received from the s*^ Michael Reyer in pay-
ment for the said Horses.
Ordered, that Sergeant M° Lease return to the said Jo :
Jackson & Kipp, the said Horses, & receive from them
in behalf of this Board the monies they have respectively
rec*^ from the said Mich^ Ryer as af^
Ordered that the said Mich' Ryer be permitted to go
at large on his parol 'till the further order of this Board
A Letter '^ from Beverly Robinson Esq"" of the 4*^ Ins*
^This letter has not been found. Jay's answer, addressed to Mrs.
Robinson, dated at Kingston, March 21, 1777, is in the Transcript . . .
of Papers of the Commission' . . . on the Losses and Services of Amer-
ican Loyalists, XLIII, 221-225, in the N. Y. Public Library. It is printed
in Chorley, History of St. Philip's Church in the Highlands (N. Y.,
1902), 131-133.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 205
to John Jay Esq'" (as a Member of Convention) Inform-
ing that he was gone down to Col. Philips's to confer
with his Friends on the present state of the Country, &
that if he was convinced a reconciliation could not be
had he would return & share the same fate with his
Country and requesting that his Wife & Children might
be permitted to remain at home. Ordered that a Copy
thereof be sent to the Com : of Sequestration in Dutchess
County.
Ely Parsons one of the Prisoners bro* from Claverick,
being duly sworn, saith, that about five Weeks ago he
saw Stephen Ducolong, and that the Dep* understood
from him, that he had then came from the Enemy. That
the said Ducalond informed the Dep* that he came with
intentions to dissuade persons from going to the Enemy
& advised them to remain at home on their farm.
Eli Parsons
The Board paid to Lieu^ Bower, the sum of £228.. 9..
£228. .9. .5 34 the Balance of his pay & subsistance Roll Leu^^'oi"
to the V^ Ins^ and for that purpose took the remainder ofh/spay*
of the Cash detained from Harrison Palmer (including ^ubsistance
£12.. 18. .8 of Titus)— £187.. 18.. 9.
It appearing that the Roll thro' mistake was deficient
One Day with respect to pay, tho' not subsistance.
Resolved, that when they are paid off again, the Com-
pany be allowed pay for one Day Extra^
Board Adjourned
Wednesday March 19'^ 1777; Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
M' Melancton Smith
Col: Swartwout.
Maj*" Strang
Major Strang appeared, & took his seat at the Board ^^^^^
Cadwallader Colden Esq"" appeared before the Board, takeshi.
and applying for a pass to go to New York, & difficulties ^^^*
arising respecting the same, cliLn
206
STATE OF NEW YORK
permitted
to go home,
& prepare
for his
Journey to
New York
Kip's Horse
return 'd &
the money
rec"* into
this Board
by Serg*^
M= Lease
£20.. 10
Jackson
refused to
take his
Horse back
from Ryer
Three
Prisoners
bro* from
Goshen by
Cap* My-
rick Viz*
Breamer
M<=Rea &
M<=Edew
and are
Confined
to Guard
House in
Irons Mich'
Kearney
dismissed
Resolved, that he be permitted to return home & pre-
pare himself for his Journey, & remain there until he
should be furnished with a sufficient pass from this Board.
Sergeant JVP Lease agreeable to an Order of yesterday
and reported, that he had returned to [space left blank]
Kipp the Horse, by him sold to Mich^ Ryer, & that the
said Kipp had repaid to him the sum of £20. .10 which
he paid into the Board, But that Joseph Jackson had re-
fused to receive his Horse again.
Upon reconsidering the Matter.
Resolved, that the Resolution of yesterday compelling
the said Joseph Jackson & [space left blank] Kipp to
receive their Horses again, be recinded, and that the
said Horses be sold at publick Vandue & that the said
Kipp may, if he pleases have the benefit of this Resolu-
tion and upon his returning his Horee to this Board, be
intitled to receive his money again.
Cap* Myrick appear'd & reported agreeable to the
Order of this Board, he had been to Goshen, & bro* to
this place the following Prisoners Viz* Anthony Breamer,
William M*^ Crea, Robert M'^Edew, Mich^ Kearney.
Ordered, that the said Prisoners be committed to the
Guard House, & confined in Irons
Mich^ Kearney producing a pass from the Committee
of Orange County to go to New London, was dismissed
Mary the wife of Stephen Pine & Susannah
the wife of Jonathan Pine Jun"" apphed for passes to go
to their Husbands now with the Enemy.
Resolved that passes be given them accordingly.
Ordered, that a Copy of the above Resolution be sent
to the Commissioners of Sequestration in Ulster County.
Upon application in behalf of Deborah Cope, the Wife
of Joseph Cope, Sarah the Wife of George Bucklue, &
Rachel the Wife of Thomas Fowler, the like Resolution,
for the first to pass with three Children, the Second with
two Children, & the last with three Children.
Cap* Scrivener appeared & informed that he had
brought Two Prisoners, Viz* Nathaniel & Silvanus Huson
apprehended by order of the Committee of Fredericks-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 207
burgh and it appearing that the said persons had just
come out of the small pox, & still retain'd the Infection
Resolved, that Cap*" Scrivener return with them again
to Fredericksburgh & take Charge of them in the best
Manner he possibly Can, & bring them again before this
Board when they are properly cleansed, & that this Board
defray the Charge thereof
Eli Parsons Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh Hendrick Parsons,
Scherp, & Hendrick Wolff, were severally asked if they kenbur^'gh,
would take the Oath of Allegiance to this State, and they wois rl
all refused. throath'"'
Matthias Cook one of the persons removed to one of Mathias
the Neighbouring States for Notorious disaffection, ap- Kto'
pearing before the Board, & refusing to take the Oath of Sh &1s
AUegiance to this State. New'York
Resolved that he receive a pass & be directed to repair '° ^" ^^^^'
with his Family, Apparel & Household furniture to the
City of New York or some other place in the possession
of the Enemy within Ten Days.
Board adjourned
Thursday March 20 1777. Board met
Present
M*" Melancton Smith
M"" Joseph Strang
Col: Swartwout
A Resolution ^ of Convention of the 14*** Ins* referring Resolution
the Petition of Tho^ Briggs & others in Kingston Goal, tin refeT-'
to this Board was rec*^ g"? *« a
Petition of
Also a Letter from the Secr^ Inclosing an Affidavit of several per-
Cadwallader Colden Esq'' & other papers respecting him ^^!;f^*°"
Cap* Peter Corne one of the persons confined by parol Affidavit
within this State for notorious disaffection, appearing coid!,!'
before this Board, & refusing to take the Oath of Al- fromcon-
legiance to this State '"'*'°"
Ordered, that a pass be delivered him, & he be directed Peter
to repair either by Land or Water with his family, ap- go ""wew
"Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., 1, 835.
208
STATE OF NEW YORK
York with
his family
&ca.
Sarah
Thomas to
pass to
New York
or Long
Island
she is to
appear be-
fore the
Board
Snedicker
&
Doct
Thorn,
25 other
persons
made their
appearance
& had six
days allowd
to Consider
of their
taking the
Oath
William
Harris ap-
prehended
by Capt
Nath'
Smith for
Treasonable
Expressions
&
his Horse
taken by s*
Smith as
security
for his ap-
pearance
&
parel & Household furniture to the City of New York,
or some other place in the possession of the Enemy,
within Twenty one Days from this Date.
William Brower appeard before the Board in behalf of
Sarah Thomas, requesting a pass for the said Sarah to
go to her Family and Friends on Long Island.
Resolved, that the Said Sarah Thomas appear before
this Board.
M"" Snedicker appear'd, (one of the persons removed
to Exeter) and requested the Time Given in the resolu-
tion this Board for Consideration
Doct: Stephen Thorn, (one of the persons sent to
Exeter) & John Davis confined by parol, appeared, &
requested the Time given in the resolution as above
Joseph Mabit Sam' Mabit, John Cook, John Vande-
burgh James Pettet, Cornelius Luyster, Jonathan Thome,
Peter Buyce, Rich^ Jewell, John Halsted Tertullus
Dickeson Zebulon Southward, (sent to the Eastern
States) & Christopher Ortmon, confined by Parol, John
Malony, sent to Worcester, James Goshn, Abraham
Buyce, Jonas Caniff (sent to Exeter), John Robinson
Ruliff Philips Francis Hausbrook, Robert Thome, Joseph
Smith, Gersham Bown, Alex'" Hair, Baltus Van kleek,
appeared, & requested the Time appointed in said
Resolution.
Cap^ Nathaniel Smith appeared before the Board and
informed that he had yesterday apprehended William
Harris for saying that he was a Tory & meant to be a
Tory that he was a Kings subject & determ[in]ed to con-
tinue so. That in less than Two Months time the Regu-
lars would be here in spite of all the Forces the Congress
could Raise to oppose them
That he had taken a Horse of the said Harris as se-
curity for his resigning himself the next morning in
order to his appearance before this Board on this Day.
That the said Harris had not appeared, and as this
Inform* has understood from Harris's Father does not
mean to appear
to keep the
Horse of
W" Harria,
until fur-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 209
That the said Horse taken as a security aforesaid was in
now in the possession of this Inform^ & he prays the smith ^^'^
direction of this Board in the premises
Resolved, that the said Cap^ Nathaniel Smith detain capt smith
the said Horse in his Custody until the further Order of
this Board, and that in the mean time, he use his best
Endeavours to Cause the said William Harris to be ap- IromTw"
prehended & bro' before this Board & that this Board ^^'^l^i^^S"
will defray the Expence thereof '''^ ^^^'^
M"* James Campbell, & Lieu* Lawrence appeared jamescos-
before the Board, and Informed, that James Goslin, had iJTur^"^*^
in their hearing uttered Traitorous Expressions against Ho^e
the American States.
Ordered that the said James Goslin be apprehended
& confined in the Guard House
Jacob Wager, & Henry Grawberger appeared before wager&
the Board, & having Voluntarily taken the Oath of toXthe^^'
Allegiance to this State. were dis-
ordered that they be discharged. ''''^'"'^^'^
Board Adjourned
Friday, March 2^- 1777. Board met.
Present
Melancton Smith Esq""
Joseph Strang Esq""
Col: Swartwout
The Affidavits of Lieu* Col: Hammond, Joseph coi:Ham.
Youngs & William Dobbs, taken before Brigd'" Gen^ ^oun'gs"'
M'^Dougal respecting M' Nathan^ Underhill, were pro- doJ^'s
duced to the Board, and also a Letter from Tho^ Tucker t^pLt'
directed to General M"= Dougall. uSrhiii.
James Campbell being Examined on oath, Deposeth *om Tho»
& Saith, That yesterday happening to be in a Company oen'^ m*°
at the House of David Lyon, this Deponant with some j°"^^^
others Drank Success to Gen' Washington & to the ^Svft"'"
American Arms, That James Goslin being also in Com- ^^^fj"^"^^'
pany, wish'd the American Army might never want
powder & Ball if they did, he said. We (meaning as this
210
STATE OF NEW YORK
dep*' understood him the said GosUn & other disaffected
persons) will give them their Bellies full of it shortly.
That the said Goslin farther said "you are thieves &
Robbers," by which this deponent understood the said
Goshn to mean especially the Convention of this State
and this Board. This Deponant further saith, that the
said Goslin made use of many other Traitorous Expres-
sions against the American States, & spoke very disre-
spectfully of the Legislative Authority of this State.
James Campbell
Mich' Sim-
mons Edw*
Oantling
& Henry
Weaver ap-
prehended
— concem'd
in the
rescue of
M» Alpine
&
Sam'
Orandle
Escaped
Simmons,
Oantling
tc Weaver,
orderd to
Guard
House
Pd Lieu*
Deuel
£7. .17. .3
70 Dollars
p* to the
Board upon
the sale of
Ryers
Horse
Jesse Clapp
permitted
to return
home
Lieu* Benaniwell Deuel appeared before this Board,
that he had bro* Prisoners, Mich* Simmons, Edward
Cantling & Henry Weaver, by order of the Committee
of the North East Precinct, Charged with notorious dis-
affection, & with being privy to the Rescue of John
M° Alpine. Lieu* Deuel further informs, that Sam*
Crandle one of the persons committed to his Charge by
said Committee had Escaped.
Ordered, that Lieu* Deuel deliver the said Mich* Sim-
mons, Edw*^ Cantling & Henry Weaver to the Officer of
the Guard, who is required to take Charge of them
Lieu* Deuel, presented his Acco* to this Board for ap-
prehend^ & conveying to this place 3 prisoners from
North East precinct amount^ to £ 7. . 17. .3.
Ordered that Lieu* Deuel be paid the said sum.
M"" Tapp who at the request of this Board, had sold
the Horse bought by Mich* Ryer of Joseph Jackson In-
formed that he had sold the said Horse for Seventy
Dollars, which he now paid into the Board accordingly.
Apphcation having been made to this Board in behaK
of Jesse Clapp, of Dutchess County, now with the
Enemy, that he might be permitted to return home
And whereas this Board is at all times willing to re-
ceive again as member of the State, all such persons who,
convinced of their Error, are disposed to return to their
Duty.
Resolved therefore that the said Jesse Clapp, be per-
mitted to return to Dutchess County, provided that
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 211
immediately upon his return he appear before the Board
and take the Oath of Allegiance to this State, & upon
his complying therewith, that he be intitled to all the
priviledges of other Liege subjects thereof
Gilbert Honeywell, being duly sworn, Deposeth & Honey-
Saith, That the whole of the Time while the Enemy were Deposition
in possession of that part of the Country where Na- unXhiu
thaniel Underhill resides, he the said Nathaniel always
conducted himself in a Very friendly manner to many of
our friends as have unfortunately fallen into the Enemy's
hands, & seemed disposed to render them all the services
in his power, and that particularly he had very much
assisted Gilbert Oakley & Isaac Legget in making their
Escape, and also at a certain time when the Enemy's
Horse were in pursuit of the Deponent the said Underhill
spoke in favour of him, so that they declin'd taking him
Gilbert Honeywell
Nathaniel Underhill being Examined, saith, that not- underbill's
withstanding he was present and attended to the admin- fiS™'°^'
istring the Oath of Allegiance to the Crown of Great
Britain to sundry Inhabitants of the Borough of West
Chester when lately in the possession of the Enemy, his
intentions were not to promote or advance the cause &
Interest of our Enemies, but that he was solely influenced
by motives to assist the Inhabitants & prevent their
being plundered. That he never return'd the Roll of the
persons who took the Oath, but destroyed it in order
that Governor Tryon might not know who the persons
were, and does insist that notwithstanding many parts of
his conduct may appear unfriendly & inimical, that he
is still a true & hearty friend to our Cause, & wishes
prosperity to the Measures pursuing by the United
States for the preservation of their Liberties.
N Underhill
Michael Ryer, being Examined saith, that the Two Ryer-s Ex-
Horses which he purchased from Mess-^" Jackson & Kipp ^'«i'^^«°'»
were intended the one for his own, & the other for his
212 STATE OF NEW YORK
Father's use, That he did not purchase them for the
use of the Enemy or with a view that they might derive
any benefit from them, That at the Time he purchased
them, he did not know that it was in any wise improper
or Criminal That he fully intended before he had passed
our Lines with the said Horses, to have applied to Gen^
M'^ Dougall for a pass — That he has always, from the
beginning of the present Troubles been warmly attached
to the American Cause, & was he not restrained by the
Oath of allegiance which he lately took to the King of
G. B. he would do all in his power to promote & advance
it — That he took the Oath of Allegiance only as a means
to preserve his life, as he would upon refusal have been
thrown into Goal and probably have perished there — And
that he sincerely wishes that these States may finally
prevail & be successful in their struggles for the Estab-
lishment of their Liberties
MiCHAL Ryer
j^.jgpa Henry Peckwell produced his Acco* for wages to this
peckweu day amounting to £7. .16 — 13 days.
Ordered that he be paid
Board Adjourn'd
Saturday March 22"^ 1777 Board met
Present
M"" Melancton Smith
Egbert Benson Esq""
Underbill The Board taking into Consideration the Respective
dimfe'sed Cases of Nathaniel Underhill and Michael Ryer
Resolv'd that they be Consider'd as prisoners and per-
mitted to Return to their Respective places of Residence
on their Parole Ready to Surrender themselves whenever
Call'd for by this Board or any other persons properly
Authorised for that purpose by the Legislature of this
State or the Commander in Chief of the American Army
& in the mean time that they shall not oppose the
American States
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 213
Resolv'd that previous to their Dismission they be
Sworn not to Convey any intelligence to the Enemy
prejudicial to the American States
Resolv'd that the Sum of £ 48 . . 10 belonging to Kyefs
Michael Ryer now in the possession of this Board be pa°dTim
paid to him
Michael Ryer & Nath^ Underhill appearing and Swear-
ing and giving their parole as above Resolv'd that they
be Dismiss'd and Recommended to the Commanding
Officer at Peekskill for permission to pass the Guards
Sarah Thomas appearing before the Board Resolv'd sarah
that she be permitted to Return to Long Island to her JerSed
Husband and Children She having taken an Oath not to to Long"
convey Intelligence to the Enemy and that She be ^'^''"'^
Recommended to General M"" Dougle for permission to
pass the Guards
William Grey of Peekskill & Joshua Hyatt of Crom- Grey&
pond Persons Comprehended within the Resolution of ^p^p^'ear
Convention Appear'd & have Six Days allow'd them to
appear again & give a final Answer whether they will
take the Oath of Allegiance
Robert Boyd Esq"" Appear'd & produced his Acco* £250: is
Sales of 13 horses Sold by order of this Board of the 28'^ Count of
Ulto by which it appears the Neat proceeds thereof of j^remfah
Amount to £240. .18. .0 which M"" Boyd paid into the S\st
Board Accordingly
Board Adjourned
Monday March 24^^ 1777 Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq""
Gilbert Barnes produced his Acco* Amounting to £2:8:op«»
£ 2 .. 8 for a Coffin &c for one of the Tory Prisoners
Order'd that the same be paid
The Board Deliver'd a Gun to Isaac Drew a Corp^
in Cap* Merrick's Company which he promis'd to Return Drew r*e°
again *^'^'^«'^
Barns
A Gun
214
STATE OF NEW YORK
Thurman
appre-
hended and
sent to
Kingston
£23:13: 4
p* Conine
Guns deli*
to Scouten
& Maybee
returned
Qoes&
Gardinier
appear &
return
again to
Hurley
Ruddock
furnishes
Cartridges
A Gun
deliV* to
Osborne
Halstead
sent to Al-
bany Goal
Ensign Connine appear'd & Inform'd that agreable to
an Order of this Board of the 10^^ Ins^ he has appre-
hended & brought to this place Richardson Thurman
Resolved, that the said Richardson Thurman is a per-
son highly Disaffected & Dangerous to the Cause of
American Liberty & Considering his Charracter & the
perticular Circumstances of that part of the Country
where he Resides it wou'd be inconsistent to the Safety
of this State in the present Critical Juncture to Suffer
him to go at Large
Order'd therefore that he be Committed to the Jail in
Kingston & the Keeper of the said Jail is hereby Re-
quir'd to Receive & keep him in Close Custody 'till the
further order of this Board or the Legislature of this
State
M"" Conine produced to the Board an accounts of the
Expence of apprehending & guarding to this place &
from thence to Kingston the said Richardson Thurman
Amounting both of them to £ 23. . 13. .4
order'd to be paid Accordingly
the Board Deliver'd a gun mark'd Jonas Caniff to John
Scouten also another gun mark'd John Yeoman to Tobias
Mabey which they are to Return again
Mess''^ Matthew Goes & Dirck Gardineer^ persons
Comprehended within the Resolution of the Convention
of this State appear'd before this Board
Resolv'd that they Return again to Hurley & Remain
there on their parole until the further Order of this Board
Resolv'd that Cap* Myrick apply to M'' Rudock for 6
Rounds of Cartridges for 40 men & that this Board will
be accountable for them
a musket Deliver'd to Lieu* Osborne of Cap* Brinker-
hoff's Company
Whereas it hath been Represented to this Board by
numberless persons of Undoubted Veracity that John
Halsted of Dutchess County one of the persons Compre-
hended in the Resolution of the Convention of the 7*^
» Cf their petition to the Convention, dated Feb. 26, 1777, Cal. Rev.
MSS., I, 642-643.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 215
Ins* notwithstanding the mild and moderate Spirit of the
Resolution and abusing the Lenity & Clemency of Gov-
ernment hath during the time allowed him to consider
whether he wou'd take the Oath of Allegiance been
michinating & Combining with the Enemies of America
& used his Utmost Influence to persuade others to go
over to the Enemy & hath in open Contempt of the
Authority of this State publickly Declar'd his Attatch-
ment of the King of Great Britain & openly avowed his
purpose of taking up Arms against his Country & fighting
thro' Blood to Regain his Estate & whereas difficulties
have arisen so that he cannot be permitted at present
to Repair to New York agreable to the terms of that
said Resolution & whereas it is inconsistent with the
Safety of the State that persons of his Charracter & who
have indicated such an inveterate & Obstinate Spirit
shou'd go at large untill the above difficulties can be
Remov'd
Resolv'd therefore that Cap* Myrick apprehend the
said John Halsted & forthwith Convey him to Albany &
Deliver him to the keeper of the Jail there who is hereby
Requir'd to Receive & keep him in Close Custody untill
the further order of this Board or the Legislature of this
State
Board Adjoum'd
Tuesday March 25*^ 1777 Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq*"
M*" Parish from Frederick's Burgh appear'd & inform'd Nathaniel
that by order of the Committee of that place he has f^^^'°''
brought here Nath^ Hughson & that Silvanus Hughson ^^""^^"^
whom he was also Directed to bring here had Escap'd
from him last night on the Road M" Parish also paid
into the Board £8..12..0 Cash taken from the Said
Nath' Hughson & £7. .12 taken from Silv^ Hughson &
further Inform'd this Board that out of the money taken
216
STATE OF NEW YORK
£ 16 : 4 p«
to the
Board Cash
taken from
Hughson's
Powell to
be appre-
hended
Frey
Adams
Hoakesly
Moniev
Shepperd
Blakely &
Freligh
appear &
to return
to Albany
M"" Cantine
takes his
Seat
Sam'
Smith
permitted
to return
Home
Comtee« of
South East
& Fred-
ericksburgh
to take
Charge of
Tories'
Estates
from Said Hughsons he had paid £ 6 . . 13 for nursing &
Cleansing them from the Small pox & for their Expences
on the way from Frederick's Burgh to this place
Order'd that 7 Dollars be paid M'" Parish for the pay &
expences for the guard Conducting of the said Hughsons
to this place
M'' Parish also Deliver'd in a Knapsack with Cloathing
belonging to Silv^ Hughson
Order'd that Nath^ Hughson be Committed to the
Guard house
Order'd that M"" Dan' Parish apprehend & forthwith
bring before this Board Caleb Powell
Coll: Henry Frey, Robert Adams, Robert Hoakesly,
John Monier, William Shepherd, James Blakely, & Mar-
tin Freligh, persons Comprehended within the Resolution
of the Convention of this State appear'd before this
Board
Order'd that they be permitted to Return to Albany &
Continue under the same parole & engagements as they
Respectively were on the 7*^ Ins* 'till the farther order
of this Board
M'' Peter Cantine appear'd & took his Seat at this
Board
Resolv'd that Samuel Smith now Confin'd in Wooster
Jail be Releas'd from his Confinement & be permitted to
Return provided he Stipulate that Immediatly upon his
Return he will appear before this Board & abide their
further order & Determination Respecting him
John Scouten Return'd a Gun which was Deliver'd
him yesterday
Resolv'd that the Committees of Fredrick's bourgh &
South East Precincts be directed & impower'd to take
in their Charge & secure in the best manner they are able
the Estates of all such persons as are gone or shall from
time to time go off to the Enemy within their Respective
precincts until such time as they Receive the orders of
the Commissioners of Sequestration for the County of
Dutchess
Snow
Deposition
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 217
Order'd that 12/: be paid to William Snow Express 12/ p
from South East Precinct
Daniel Parish and Peleg Ballard being severally &
duly Sworn depose and say That as that they were this Bafiarc
Morning at the House of Caleb Powell on their way to Su
this place when they attempted to bind Nathaniel Hugh-
son, the said Powell told Hughson, not to mind it for that
many a better man had been tied and that it would be
their turn soon or Words to that effect
Daniel Parrish
his
Peleg X Beallard
mark
£1:0:8
p>i Parish
Powell
committed
Ordered that £1:0:8 be paid to M"" Parish for the
Services of the Guard in apprehending Caleb Powel
Ordered that Caleb Powel be committed to the Guard
House
Board Adjourn'd
Wednesday March 26'** 1777 Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M"" Melancton Smith
M*" Peter Cantine
Joseph Hitchcock one of the persons Comprehended in j^^^p^
the Resolution of Convention appear'd before this Board fppear^d &
& took his Six Days to Consider mys^for
William M-^ Crea & Rob' M'= Edew appearing & being ^r''"'"
Examin'd Deny'd the Several Matters with which they ^r^^^'mo"
are respectively Charg'd
Whereas the Commanding Ofl&cer at Peekskill Con-
ceives it improper that the persons Comprehended in the
Resolution of the Convention of the 7''' Ins' shou'd be
permitted at present to pass our Out posts in their Way
to the Enemy
Edew deny
the charge
against
them
orders
Lyster,
218 STATE OF NEW YORK
Matthias Resolved therefore that Matthias Cook one of the said
Surnto persons Return home and Remain in possession of his
tiiiFuXr Estate & abide on his farm 'till the further order of this
Board
Cornelius Lyster, Jonas Caniff, & Richard Jewell per-
jewd d*e- sons included in the Resolution of Convention of the 7"^
toteke^hf Ins* appear'd & Declar'd their Determination not to take
^^\ the Oath of Allegiance
order'dto Order'd that they Return to their Respective homes &
hom™tiii abide on their Respective farms 'till the farther Order of
SJerf this Board
zeb: Zebulun Southard, & Ralph Phillips persons included
I RaipT" in the Resolution of Convention of the 7*^ Ins* and Peti-
petiifoners tloners Appear'd & Declar'd their Determination not to
*ouo take' take the Oath of AUegiance
orde%* to Ordered that they be sent to Kingston Goal
Goaf^°" Whereas it appears from the preamble to the Resolu-
Resoiution tlons of the Couveutiou of the 7*^ Ins* that they were
•with re- „ . . - ,
^?sons°Pe P^ss'd ^ Consequence of petitions from sundry persons
titioners, Remov'd out of this State or Confin'd within the same
takK^the praying to be admitted as Leige Subjects thereof and
AUegfance testifying their Determined Resolution to exert their
Utmost Influence in it's defence & whereas Sundry of
the said persons & Petitioners when call'd upon by this
Board to take & subscribe the Oath of Allegiance to this
State have in open Contempt of the Authority of this
State & in Violation of their own promise & engagements
most Contumaciously Refus'd to take and Subscribe the
said oath
Resolv'd therefore that all persons Comprehended
within the said Resolution & petitioners as aforesaid who
shall Refuse to take & subscribe the said Oath when
thereunto required by this Board be immediatly Com-
mitted to Jail
Gershem Bowne one of the Persons comprehended
within the Resolution of Convention appeared and re-
fused to take the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be confined to his Farm til the further
order of this Board
Board Adjourn'd
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 219
Thursday March 27'^ 1777 Board met
present
Egbert Benson] -^
Peter Cantine (
Zebulun Ross one of the persons Comprehended in the
Resolutions of Convention appear'd before this Board &
took his Six Days to Consider
Caleb Powell is permitted to Return home on his
parole & appear again when Call'd for by this Board
The Gun Delivered to Lieu* Osborne on the 24*^ Ins*
Returned to this Board
M'" Cornelius Fonda appear'd & inform'd the board
that he had apprehended & brought to this place by order
of the Committee of Claverack George Smith
M'^ Sackett informing the board that the said George
Smith was employ'd by him for Secret purposes
Resolv'd that George Smith be permitted to Return
to Claverack on his parole to appear again before this
board within a fortnight from this Day.
Order'd that 32/: be paid to M^ Fonda for his Ser-
vices. ^^
Jonathan Stephen & Robert Thorne Joseph Smith and
Francis Hasbrook persons Comprehended in the Resolu-
tion of Convention appear'd before this board and De-
clar'd their Determination not to take the Oath of
Allegiance
Order'd that they Return to their Respective homes
'till the further Order of this Board
Lieu* Skoonmaker appear'd & inform'd that he has
brought to this place by order of Coll: Palmer George
Hews & James Kelly & also deliver'd a Letter from Coll:
Palmer Respecting them
James Kelly being duly Sworn deposeth & saith that
yesterday morning on his way from Poughkeepsie to Van
Cuer's ferry he fell in Company with George Hews &
Cross'd the River with him at that place when they Came
to a tavern a little Distance from the ferry on the West
"For receipt see App. II, p. 453.
Zeb : Ross
appeared &
took 6
Days for
considera-
tion
Caleb
Powell
on Parol
a Gun
returned
by Lieu*
Osborne
Corn:
Fonda bro*
George
Smith from
Claveriek
by order of
that Com :
as a Pris-
oner
&
is per-
mitted on
Parol to
return
home &
appear in a
fortnight
32/ pd
Fonda
Jon"
Stephens
Robt
Thorne
Jos : Smith
& Fran :
Haasbrook
determine
not to take
the Oath,
are orderd
to return
home till
further
orders
Geo : Hews
& Ja^ KeUy
bro* Pris-
oners by
order of
Col : Pal-
mer Ja^
Kelly's
Dep:
against
Hews
220
STATE OF NEW YORK
Shore Hews being about to pay his Reckoning took out
some Continental money & throwing it down on the
Hearth said it was Linsey woolsey money & that Hews
also said that people shou'd not Run too far in their talk
for that the Enemy had Landed at Peekskill & were
within 3 or 4 miles of Fishkill as he was inform'd that
the said Hews appear'd to the Deponent when they
Cross'd the ferry & at the tune he utter'd the above ex-
pressions to be intoxicated with Liquor & that the
Deponent look'd upon it that it was done with a view
to Dishearten the people to whom they were Address'd
his
James X Kellt
mark
Ja^ Kelly,
took the
Oath & was
discharged
Geo : Hews
orderd to
the Guard
House
13/4 paid
to Lieu*
Skoon-
maker for
conduct^
Prisoners
here
£3. .5. .4
p* to M"-
Hovenbergh
James Kelly having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance is Discharged
Order'd that George Hews be Committed to the Guard
house
Ordered that 13/4 be paid to Lieu* Skoonmaker for
Extraordinary expences in Conducting the above pris-
oners to this place
Resolv'd that there be allow'd to Mess'"^ Hevenbergh
Scott & Lewis (who apprehended & brought Grawbergh
& Weigger on the 16*^ Ins*) £3. .5. .4 for the expences
of themselves & prisoners & Continental pay as privates
each of them 4 Days
M"^ Hovenbergh appearing the Sum of £3. .5. .4 was
paid to him but he declin'd Receiving pay for the present
Board adjourned
Friday March 28*^ 1777 Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M'- Smith
M"^ Cantine
2 Nick- M"" William Calkin appeared and informed that by
wo°rden& ordcr of Hccocks he had apprehended and bro't to this
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 221
place Thomas Nickerson Edward Nickerson Nathaniel Bugsbyap-
Worden and Ezekiel Bugsby by^w^**^
Elijah Oakly & Albert Gary being duly & Severally o2l\
Sworn depose and say that while the enemy now were at Deposition
Peekskill, the deponents among others Rec*^ Information ^^^^^^
that a number of persons were preparing to Join them, '''"■
from the Neighbourhood of Fredericksborough, that in
order to apprehend them, Cap^ Hecocks David Hecocks
the deponents & others agreed to go out in order the
more Effectually to make a full discovery, they s^ depo*^
went in disguise as Tories, that coming to the House of
Ezekiel Bugsby they were permitted to Enter, that they
acquainted Bugsby their Intentions were to go to the
Enemy & upon Recommendation of John Millers Wife
now applyed to him for directions to proceed, thereupon
Bugsby asked the deponents how many men they had,
and gave him for answer thirty six, the deponents further
requested of Bugsby to direct them the Nighest way so
as to meet Daniel Taylor, & received directions Accord-
ingly, to go to Ailstones, for that purpose Coming out
doors himself opening the Bars & upon their departure
bid them Gods Speed, that the deponents then came to
the House of said Ailstone his wife offering them Re-
freshment, & wishing them Success, Informing them that
her husband had been gone 4 weeks that she had the day
before Rec" a letter from him acquainting her that he was
at Long Island and like to do well, & that she had not
seen John Miller since GoP Luddingtons Regiment last
return from Westchester, that said Oakly (one of the
deponents) not ch using to go to Edward Nickersons him-
self for fear he should be known staid Back, when Garly
proceeded to that place, & the said Garly saith when he
came there he found the Two Nickersons now in Gustody.
previous to his Entering the House he knocked at the
door, and upon being asked who he was? ans"^ freind,
being asked what freind? answered freind to the Min-
isterial Army, whereupon he was admitted into the
House, that he the deponent informed them the s*^ Nick-
ersons that he had a party of 30 men & wanted to go to
222 STATE OF NEW YORK
Daniel Taylors that s'' Taylor was gone to the Ministerial
army and was directed to apply to them for Instructions
how to get there, that the times were difficult to get along
& that his Business was to see if they could pass clear,
which if he found so he was to Whistle to his men, that
Edward Nickolson thereupon replied it was so, but damn
them he hoped they would not Reign long that the de-
ponent Enquired the way to Moses Winters which they
shewed him, & then departed they wishing him good
success in their undertaking. Said Oakly saith that while
Carly was gone to Winters, the two Nickersons Came to
Cap^ Hecocks & his party supposing them to be the party
mentioned by Carly & being Challenged, answered you
need not be afraid we are your friends & came to pilot
them along, Cap^ Luddington answered no, we are not
afraid, and thereupon made them Prisoners
Elijah Oakley
Al Bart Carly
William William Calkin being duly sworn deposeth and Saith,
DeStion that he was Informed by John Heacock that James
wordiS^' Whaly & one Fairchild had Twenty odd men under arms
at Nathaniel Wurdings, that the deponent with a party
of 17 men went their to make a discovery of the Matter
that coming there he went into [the] house he asked
M""^ Wuddings if she knew any thing of Wiley, & fair-
child, being their that day Rec*^ for answer she knew
nothing about it that she then went to the Bed were her
husband Lay, who told her Whispering that she must tell
nothing about it. The deponent then proposed the
sam[e] Question to said Natha^ Wurding Received from
him the Same answer, & then proceeded up chamber
were a son of Wurding Lay who Informed him that
Whaly & another man had been there [that] day, that
he had seen them talking with his father & understood
from them they were going to John Bennits, that
Wurding afterwards owned that his wife had Informed
him that they had been at his House
William Calkins
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 223
Ordered that £3: 14: 3 be paid Lieut* Calkin for the \\-^^^^i^
Pay and Subsistance of the Guard conveying the said caikin^''
four Prisoners to this place
Board adjourned
Saturday March 29'^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq"*
Col : Swartwout
Melancton Smith Esq'"
Peter Cantine Esq''
Resolved, that Zebulun Southward, being very ill be zeb»
dismissed from the Guard house & be permitted to return peimitted
home to his Family, & there to remain till the further homeuii
Order of this Board. order^"^
The Rev*^ James Sayre one of the persons compre-
hended in the Resolution of Convention of the 7*'^ Ins*
having refused to take & subscribe the Oath of Allegiance
to this State.
Resolved therefore, that he be permitted, & is hereby Revi m'
required agreeable to Directions of said Resolution to muted^to"
repair to some place in the possession of the Enemy, lork&cT
with his Household Furniture & apparel, & his Family
consisting of his Wife, Child, his Father, John Sayre, his
Sister M""^ Ross, & a Negro Servant, within Eight Days
from the date hereof provided that this permit shall not
be Effectual unless countersigned by two Members of
Committee for Frederiksburgh Precinct, in order that
they may at his departure attend & take Charge of the
residue of his Estate.
Cap* John Johnson one of the persons comprehended captjohn
in the Resolution of Convention of the 7*^ Instant, ap- SeTo
peared and refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to this oaa**'^
State. °'-'^^"'*
Ordered, that he return home & remain there till the ''°"'^""
return
home ti
further
further order of this Board. °'"'^^'"
Resolved, that Cap* John Johnson is one of the persons
comprehended within the Resolution of Convention of
224
STATE OF NEW YORK
Harris's
Horse bro*
here by
Cap* Nath'
Smith
the 7**" Ins* and intitled to the Benefit thereof, & conse-
quently he is released from all Obligation of returning
again to his Confinement at Springfield.
Ordered, that a Copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the Committee at Springfield.
Cap: Nathaniel Smith appeared, & informed that he
had brought to this place the Horse of William Harris
& which he had left with the said Cap* Smith as a se-
curity for his appearance
The said Nath' Smith being duly sworn deposeth &
saith, that the Information which he gave to this Board
on the 20*'' Inst, against Will'" Harris, is true
Nath' Smith
£2. .14.,
paid Cap*
Smith
Harris's
Horse to
be sold
Col:
Hvimfreya
requested
to send a
Guard of
20 Privates
a Subal° &
t Sergeants
for 10
Days.
Cap* Nathaniel Smith produced his Acco* amo*^ to
£2. .14..
Ordered that the same be paid
Resolved that the Horse belonging to William Harris
as above, be sold at publick Vendue.
Resolved, that Col: William Humphreys be requested
to send to this place with aU convenient speed a Sub-
altern Ofiicer Two Sergeants, & 20 Privates of his Regi-
ment to serve as a Guard to the prisoners confined here,
for the space of Ten Days, and that they be allowed
Continental pay & Rations.
Board adjourned
Monday, March 31'* 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq*"
Col: Swartwout.
James M*= Donald, Thomas Carr, Edward Henderson
Ordered, that the said four prisoners be committed to
4 Prisoners
ofWarr .
p^k^Kui ^ Richard Scruton, prisoners of War, sent here yesterday
Sn^ M^= °^ ^^^^ Peekskill by order of General M"" Dougall.
Dougall —
ordered to
?.!,?.^''*^ the Guard House.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 225
Nathan Cummins (one of the prisoners sent to New Nathan
Windsor) appearing before the Board by permission of ^ok ms"'
Gen* Clinton and being one of the people called Quakers, ine™ance
made his afi&rmation of allegiance to this State. di^hlrged
Ordered that he be discharged.
Major Strang appeared & took his Seat again. Maj'
The Rever'^ M"" Townsend, one of the persons compre- feS to
hended in the Resolution of Convention of the 7^^ Ins* j^^^^/^J^
having refused to take & subscribe the Oath of Allegiance '■'"^^^f^.^^^^
to this State. h^s^amif*
Resolved therefore that he be permitted, & is hereby &c to Long
requiied agreeable to Directions of said Resolution to
repair to some place in the possession of the Enemy with
his Household furniture, & apparel, & his Family con-
sisting of his Wife, & four Children within Eight Days
from the Date hereof, provided this permit shall not be
Effectual unless Countersigned by Mess""^ Purdy Haight
& Wood, or any two of them Members of Committee for
the Manor of Cortlandt, in order that they may at his
Departure, attend & take Charge of the residue of his
Estate.ii
Ordered, that Ralph Philips be permitted to go home Ralph
on his parol till the further order of this Board. S^
Resolved that Mess'^ Purdy Haight & Wood, members pa°i ""^
of Committee for the Manor of Cortlandt or any two of f^^f^
them be authorized & required to take Charge & posses- ^^^^^'* *
sion of the Estate of the Rev** M'^ Townsend (except such t^^t^ke^^
as he is permitted to take with him by Resol: of this ^^r^T^^®^*.
Board of this Date, and take the best possible Care of
the same until the further order of this Board, or the
Comm''^ of Sequestration for the County of West Chester.
Ordered, that James Goslin be permitted to go home ja'Cosiin
on his parole, till the further Order of this Board onTirofto
Ordered, that Joshua Hyatt be permitted to go home f^^^^^
on his parol, till the further order of this Board Hyatt d^
"See Bolton's History of Westchester County (1905, vol. I, pp. 751-
753) for a letter written by the Rev. Epenetus Townsend to the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel, giving an account of this resolution,
his subsequent migration to Long Island, and his earlier relations with
local and state committees.
sends
tate
226
STATE OF NEW YORK
Benj» Closs
Cap* Jn"
Johnson
permitted
to go to
N: York
Boyd,
Carmons &
Purdy app*
to take
Charge of
Johnsons
Estate
Ordered, that Benjamin Closs be permitted to go home
on his parol, till the further order of this Board
Cap^ John Johnson permitted to go to New York in
like manner with the Rev*^ M"" Townsind, & Ebenezer
Boyd, Gabriel Carmons & Nathaniel Hyatt, Members of
Committee for the Manor of Cortlandt or any two of
them be appointed to take Charge of his Estate.
Board adjourned
Tuesday April V 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Major Strang
Peter Cantine Esq"
£291..5..2
paid Cap*
Myrick
Benj:
Ludlum
allowd
6 Days
Warren,
Sharp
Wolf,
Willson
Hughson
& Erken-
breght per-
mitted to
inlist &
were dis-
charged
£6. .16..
rep* to
Hughson
Cap^ Joshua Myrick appeared & produced his Acco*"
Viz* His Pay Roll amo*^ to £ 164. .18. .4, His Billeting
Roll, £116. .9. .2, His Expences to Albany, with Halsted
£ 6 . . 16 . . 4, D° for Francis Warren £2 . . 8 . . 8. D° for
Horse hire 12/8., in the whole, amounting to £ 291 . .5. .2.
Ordered, that the same be paid, & was paid accordingly
Benjamin Ludlum, one of the persons comprehended
in the Resolution of Convention of the 7 March appeared
& desired the time of 6 days limited for his consideration
and was permitted to return home for that time.
Resolved, that Francis Warren, Hendrick Scharpe,
Hendrick Wolf, Jacob Willson Nathaniel Hughson &
Henry Erkenbregh, be permitted to Inlist into Col:
Cortlandts Reg*
The said Persons appearing & Inlisting accordingly
Ordered, that they be discharged.
Resolved, that the sum of £ 8. . 12. . — belonging to the
said Nathaniel Hughson be repaid to him again after
deducting thereout Twenty Eight Shilhngs his moiety
of the Expences in apprehending him & 8/, for his Sub-
sistance during his confinement.^-
Col : Swartwout took his seat
"For receipt, see App. II, p. 453.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 227
Isaac Hatfield, & Peter Drake, two of the persons Hatfleid&
comprehended in the Resolution of Convention of the s^rede'^"'
7 of March appeard, & desired Six Days for Consideration ^""^^
Ordered, that they be permitted to go home for that Ktum*^
time on parol to return to this Board at the Expiration ^""^^
thereof
Ezekiel Bugsby appeared before this Board, e^^^,
Resolved, that he be permitted to return home on his ^^^%^^
Parol to return in Six Days. home"™
Resolved, that Zebulun Ross, be permitted to remain ^^^ays
at home during his present indisposition, and that he permitted
attend at this Board as soon as he is in a capacity to homTdu?.
, ing illness
travel.
Resolved, that Nathaniel Conkling, Thomas Craft & Nath:
Abraham Craft now confined in Worcester Goal be Tho^c"fft
released from their Confinement, & be permitted to re- craf tore-
turn, provided they Stipulate that immediately upon waster™
their return, they will respectively appear before this aSea^be-
Board, and abide their further order & determination gjarf*
respecting them.
Board adjourned.
Wednesday, April 2^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Major Strang
Peter Cantine Esq*"
Resolved, that a Letter be wrote to Convention re- Letter to
questing the Sum of £ 1000, may be sent for the use of SuTst^
Board.13 . '''''
Doct: Peter Huggiford, Jeremiah Traverse, Sen"" Jere- ^^ffSs
miah Traverse Jun"" Griffin Cory, Nathan Whitney Esq", ^°^^^^
persons comprehended in the Resolution of Convention appeared
of the 7*^ March last, appear'd & required the usual time e Days
for Consideration.
Tertullus Dickinson appeard, & was not willing to take Dickinson
& subscribe the Oath of Allegiance to this state. takrthe*°
"See App. I, p. 437; Jour. N. Y. Prou. Cong., I, 865.
against
Busby &
Lester
228 STATE OF NEW YORK
oath b per- Ordered, that he be permitted to return home on parol
^turn *° to return to this Board when called for
Jro!°" Board Adjourned
Thursday April S^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq""
Joseph Strang Esq'
Peter Cantine Esq"
w» Busby John WiUiams appeard, & informed this Board that he
*Jt"er^ap- ^^^ apprehended, & brought Prisoners, Will"" Busby &
prehended Enoch Lestcr.
jno John Williams being duly sworn Deposeth & saith that
Sosm^n on Tuesday Evening last as he was returning from Town
Meeting, in passing by Bernard Doughty's in the Nine
Partners, Doughty desired him to stop, which he accord-
ingly did, & found there said Busby & Lester & Asher
Devine, that as the Dep* came out of the House, he
perceived Devine & Busby were disputing Divine having
charged Busby with saying that he would hire himself
out to strip Bark to hang the Whiggs that the Deponant
then left the house & desired Devine to Drop the Dispute
& come along with him that as the Dep* & Devine went
on, Busby & Lester Benj^ Hicks & Ehsha Davis, who were
also at Doughty's followed them that in following them
Busby stript & wanted to fight with Devine, that Busby
said, he expected in less than four weeks he woud stand
Guard over the Whiggs, and he also said that he belonged
to the 4^^ Reg^ of foot under George the third King of
Britain, that thereupon the Dep^ & his Companions ap-
prehended said Busby, and after they had apprehended
him, & were carrying him to Cap* Blooms, Lester fol-
lowed them, notwithstanding they requested him to
desist, & said he was a true subject to George the third
& meant to live and die so, & wished that he might pros-
per in all his undertak^^
John Williams
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 229
Asher Devine being duly sworn deposeth & saith that Asher ^
he was present & the above Deposition of John Williams Deposition
as far as it relates to Busby is true. The Dep* farther ^^'' ^"'^
saith, that it had been reported that Busby should have
hired himself to strip Bark to hang the Whiggs, but that
upon being Charged with it by the Dep* he denied it.
his
AsHUR X Devine
mark
Joseph Cash, being sworn, Deposeth & saith, that the jos:Cash
Deposition of John Williams as above, is substantially 2J't°Busby
true, and farther, that he the Dep* had asked Lester, ^^^^ter
respecting his saying he was a Subject of the King of
Great Britain, that he acknowledged he had said so, &
declared he meant to stand to it.
Joseph Cash
Ordered, that William Busby, & Enoch Lester, be gugby*
committed to the Guard house, & confined in Irons ^^^^^f^^
Ordered, that the Sum of £3, be paid to M"* John '^l^'^^^'*'
Williams for himself & Guards for apprehending & Bring- paidjoii
ing prisoners W" Busby, & Enoch Lester and also 4/, for for 2 ^°^
J. . , . prisonera
provisions tor said pnsoners
John Williams being Examined on Oath saith that on john wu-
his way down with the above prisoners, Filkins German ig^nst^^^'
overtook him on the Road, and said. You Damn'd Rebels oeSid
where are you going with them men, and attempted to
rescue Lester & struck this Exam* twice, & huzza'd for
King George,
John Williams
Asher Devine & Joseph Cash being severally sworn Asher
Depose & say, that the above Examination of John Jg.'t'd^
Williams is true in substance.
his
Asher X Devine
mark
Joseph Cash
230
STATE OF NEW YORK
Sudorick &
Gemiond
ordered to
be appre-
hended
•with the
witnesses
by Ser?*
Baker
Jon»
Rogers
ordered to
be released
from
Poughy
Goal
Ordered, that Daniel Sudorick & Filkins Germond be
apprehended, & brought before this Board forthwith and
that John Kolp Darius Lobdell & Joseph Morris attend
as Witness against them
Ordered, that Sergeant Baker, Execute the above
Order, and all the subjects of this State are hereby re-
quired to aid & assist hun if necessary-
Resolved, that Jonathan Rogers now confined in
Poughkeepsie Goal, be released from his Confinement
upon his parol immediately to appear before this Board
Board adjourned
Friday April 4^*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith Esq''
Joseph Strang Esq-
Peter Cantine Esq'"
£ 14..3..4.
pd Hugh
Conner
Busby's Ex-
amination
Jon»
Rogers
Discharged
on taking
the Oath.
Hugh Conner appear'd & produced his Acco^ amount-
ing to £14.. 3.. 4/^
Ordered, that he be paid the said Acco*
William Busby being Examined, saith that as he was
going to Barnerd Dough ty's the Day he was apprehended
in order to discover some plots which he heard was in
Agitation, he learnd that one Backus from above Kinder-
hook had said, that some Companies were raising at
Kinderhook to join the Enemy. That one Richard
Wilson, Palmerton a Shoemaker near M° Gees, and one
Gardinier who lives to the Eastward of Lesters, were to
InUst, That some who had taken the Oath of Allegiance
to this state were now absent again among whom were
Benj^ Booth, & Rowland Soles, and this Inform* under-
stood that Isaac Filkins was to go to the Enemy, and that
the said Filkins now keeps out of the way.
Jonathan Rogers, appeard before this Board, & having
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered, that he be discharged.
"App. 11, p. 454.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 231
A Letter received from Robert Benson Esq'' Secretary Letter
to the Convention, Inclosing a Resolutions^ of Conven- B°^on°
tion of the first Ins^ requesting the same to be published Resoi^la
in the Newspaper & Hand Bills.
Stephen Purdy produced his Acco* for a Load of 8/ paid
Wood 8/,
Ordered that the same be paid
Board Adjourned
Saturday April d^^ 1777 Board met
Present
M'- Smith
M'' Cantine
M-" Strang
Ezekiel Bugsby appeared agreable to his Parole & E^eki
having voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this
State.
Ordered that he be discharged
James M° Donald, Thomas Carr, Rich*^ Scroten & Ed- 4 prisoners
ward Anderson, Sailor Prisoners of War, sent to this place iivered to"
by Gen^ M'' Dougall, were by his advice dehvered to Cap* by ord^°° '
Cook to be by him Employ'd in fitting up the Row oougau
Gallies.
Col: Swartwout takes his Seat
Isaac Seacord & Benj^ Gerow appear'd, & having de- i^aac
clined to take the Oath of Allegiance to this State bIIT^^
Ordered, that they return home to their families, and ^onfinMto
to remain on their respective farms till the further order t^^^^""^^™'
of this Board
John Malony, appeared, & absolutely refused to take joh^
the Oath of Allegiance to this State, (and being one of ^?i°sedto
the Petitioners, ^^l"^
Ordered that he be confined in the Guard house GuaM°
Lieu* Bowers appeared, & informed the Board, that his ''"""^
Bugsby
took the
Oath & was
discharged
TTT-i* 1 1 Lieu* Bow-
Wiie lay dangerously ill, pray'd leave to go home ted to™'*"
Ordered, that he had leave accordingly. i^o^e
''Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 859, 856-857.
232
STATE OF NEW YORK
£ 6.. -paid
Hen : Peck-
well
A Letter
from the
Secry of
Convention
inclosing a
Resolution
&c
£3. .10..
paid Rich"!
King
A Letter
from Elihu
Marvin re-
quests the
direction of
this Board
Ja" Wood
one of the
persons
confln'd in
Worcester
Goal
Order'd to
return
upon his
tak«the
Oath
Maj'
Strang
takes his
seat
Isaac
Hatfield
refused to
take the
Oath
Order'd to
return
home till
further
orders
Henry Peckwell produced [h]is Acco* for 10 Days
wages
Ordered that he be paid the same
Board adjourned
Monday, April 7"" 1777. Board met
Present
Malancton Smith Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq''
A Letter received from M"" Rob*' Benson Secr^ to the
Convention, inclosing a Resolution of the 3*^ Ins^ request-
ing this Board to have the same publishd in the News
paper, & 250 hand Bills to be printed.
M"" Rich^ King appeared & produced his Acco* for
Services done, amo*^ to £ 3 .. 10 . .
Ordered that the same be paid
A Letter from Elihu Marvin Esq"" Chairman of the
Committee of Cornwall, requesting the Direction of this
Board, respecting persons comprehended in the Resolu-
tion of Convention of the 7 March last.
Resolved, that James Wood, one of the persons con-
fined in Worster Goal for Treasonable practices, be per-
mitted to return home, provided that he stipulate pre-
viouse to his discharge, immediately upon his return, to
appear before this Board and take the Oath of Allegiance
to this State.
Ordered that a Copy of the aforegoing Resolution be
transmitted to the Committee of the Town of Worcester
Major Strang appeared, & took his Seat
Isaac Hatfield, appeared, before this Board & refused to
take the Oath of Allegiance.
Ordered that he be permitted to return home, & there
to remain until the further order of this Board
Board adjourned
Tuesday AprH 8**^ 1777.
Present
Melancton Smith
Jos: Strang j^Esq'"
Peter Cantine
Board met
hendeU
Ja' Camp-
bells Dep :
against
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 233
The Board having received information that Jesse jesseciapp
Clapp of Dutchess County, who had been with the Enemy betppre^
on Long Island, had return'd home,
Ordered, that Cap* Israel Piatt, cause the said Jesse
Clapp to be apprehended & sent to this place.
James Campbell appeared before this Board, & being
Sworn, saith, that happening on yesterday Evening to be
at the House of Abraham Fort, he found there a number ^one^'""**
of persons, being part of Cap* Jeecock's Comp^ of militia, ^™'*''
who trained at that place. That a Number of said per-
sons, Drank success to King George, & Confusion to the
American Arms, that they said the American Money was
good for Shin paper. That this Deponant upon hearing
their Conversation, Express'd his Sentiments very freely
in favour of the American Cause, upon which, one Isaac
Wood came up to him & Calld him a Damn'd Rascal
for opposing so good a King, & with his sword (sheathed)
struck him a Blow on the side of his head, which knock'd
him down on A Bed That before this Deponant could
recover from that Blow, said Wood, struck him with his
fist in the face, which bro* him to the floor, & beat &
Bruised him while he was down. The Dep* further saith
that One Smith declared his Attachment to the King of
Great Britain. And further this Dep* saith not.
James Campbell
Ordered, that Isaac Wood & [space left blank] Smith isaacwood
be apprehended & bro* before this Board. ordwdto
Ordered that Serg* M° Lease Execute the above order H^Ztj
Edward Cantly, Michael Siemons, & Henry Weaver M^leaae
appeared before this Board & Voluntarily took the Oath ^f^^j^
of Allegiance to this State & weaver
Ordered, that they be discharged accordingly oath &^
Lieu* Fulmore, appear'd & inform'd that he had bro* Sfarged"
Prisoners, Cap* Joseph Harris & John Losee by order of
Cap' Jos:
Harris &
the Com: of Beekman's Precinct. S'S^
oners
&
Ordered, that the said Harris & Losee be permitted on
their Parol, not to depart further than One Mile from H^^^f
the Stone Church.
£1..12..-
p'J Lieu*
F\almore
234
STATE OF NEW YORK
Lieu^ Fulmore produced his Acco*^ amounting to
£1..12.
Ordered that the same be paid
Board adjourned
Wednesday April 9'^ 1777, Board met
Present
Melancton Smith 1
Joseph Strang ^Esq'"^
Peter Cantine
Peter 1 Van
Valken-
burgh
takes the
Oath & is
discharged
he knows
nothing
of any
Plotts
Mich' Goes
takes the
Oath & is
discharged
Eli Parsons
took the
Oath & was
discharged
Barth'^
Van Val-
kenburge
Ditto
Jn" Malony
discharged
on take
the Oath
Griffin Cory
committed
to the
Guard
house
Geo : Hughs
discharged
on his take
the Oath
Peter I Van Valkenburgh appeared & Voluntarily took
the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered, that he be discharged
Peter I Van Valkenburgh, being Examined on Oath
said, that he knows nothing of any Plott or Conspiracy
against this State.
Michael Goes, appeared, & Voluntarily took the Oath
of Allegiance to this State
Order'd that he be discharged
Eli Parsons, having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged
Barth"^ Van Valkenburgh, having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged
John Malony, appeared, & having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged.
Griffin Cory, appeared and refused to take the Oath
of Allegiance to this State, & it appearing to this Board
by his own Confession, that when he lately went down
to the Enemies Lines by permission of General M*"
Dougall, he took his Wife with him as far as Kingsbridge
without any permission. Therefore
Resolved that he be sent prisoner to the Guard house.
George Hughs, appeard, & having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES
235
Peter Drake appeared, & refused to take the Oath of Peto
Allegiance to this State. laKe*°
Ordered that he be permitted to return home till the o-A, ^
'■ ordered
further order of this Board. hometiu
further
Board adjourned. orders
Thursday April 10*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson
Melancton Smith
Joseph Strang
Peter Cantine
■Esq"^
Resolved, that this Board will on Saturday next Ad-
journ from this place to Poughkeepsie.
Serg^ M° Clease appeared, & informed the Board that
he had apprehended & bro* prisoner, Isaac Wood, & pro-
duced a Certificate from Lieu* Van Kleek, that Smith
was entered as a Volunteer.
Ordered that Isaac Wood be sent to the Guard House.
Benj^ Ludlum appeared & refused to take the Oath of
Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he return home till the further order of
this Board
Ordered that Joseph Harris & John Losee, be permitted
on their parol, to appear before this Board to morrow
morning at Ho Clock
Resolved, that a Letter be wrote to the Committee of
Orange County, requesting them to cause all persons
comprehend in the Resolution of Conv"" of the 7*^ of
March, and who having neglected to appear before this
Board, and particularly Austin Smith Esq"" to be appre-
hended, & sent under Guard to this Board, and that this
Board will defray the Expence thereof. And also signifying
the approbation of this Board of the Conduct of the Com-
mittee in preventing the Sale of the said Austin Smith's
Estate, and Advising them in all cases where they find
persons selling or otherwise disposing of their Estates,
under Suspicious Circumstances to Interpose & pre-
vent it.
Board to
Adjourn to
Poughkeep-
sie on
Saturday
next
Isiiac Wood
appre-
hended &
order'd to
Guard
house
Benj= Lud-
lum refused
to take the
Oath, per-
mitted to
go home
till further
Orders
Jo' Harris
& Jn"
Losee
permitted
on Parol
till 11
o Clock to
morrow
morns
a Letter
wrote to
Elihu
Marvin
Chairman
of Commit-
tee of
Orange
County-
respect"
Estates of
Persons
gone off
&ca
236 STATE OF NEW YORK
Oliver M"" Oliver Lawrence appeared before this Board, and
hTs^Exam" Informed, that he saw Jesse Clapp on Long Island some
Sciapp time the beginning of Jan^ last. That Clapp declared
Ma^nT^ to the Inform^ his Intentions of returning home again
and upon the Inform*^ expressing to him that in all
probability as he had been so violently disaffected he
would be apprehended & Confined — Clap said he did not
care what was done to him provided they did not hang
him, that the Inform*^ believes Clapp left Long Island
about five weeks ago, and understood he brought off with
him about £ 600 in Continental money which he received
there from his friends to be laid out.
jerhjones'9 Jeremiah Jones appeared before the Board & being
wlnheifflus duly sworn, Deposeth & Saith, that being yesterday in
bergh"^°' Company with Wilhelmus Steenberg at the House of W™
Askins at New Hackinsack, the same Steenberg said that
he was a King's Man, and that he was one of Fowler's
men & that being ask'd by the Dep*' whether he belonged
to Cap* Fowler's list he declared that he did & the said
Steenbergh Damned General Washington
Jeremiah Jones
Order to Ordered, that Wilhelmus Van Steenbergh be appre-
ftppreh^s* 1 J 1
Steenbergh nenaea
Board Adjourned
Friday April 11*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson!
Joseph Strang ^Esq"
Peter Cantine J
£3.. 6.. David Lyons appeared, & produced his Acco* of Ex-
Eyo^*"'*^ press for Convention (tho' employd by this Board) to
Esopus & Peeks Kill amount^ to £ 3 . . 6 . .
Order'd that the same be paid on Acco* of Convention
John Brown Whercas John Brown having been Confined in the
the Guard Guard House Since the beginning of Jan'' last, and this
house l)e- *~j o i
ginning of Board uot being able to discover either from the proceed-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 237
ings or Papers of the late Com: by what authority the janriastu
said John Brown was sent to this place, or the Charge sTnilsted^
against him, & having only received it by mere report Dewite
that he was apprehended upon suspicion of Murder, and ^°™^*
this Board never having been Informed who the Wit-
nesses against him were, and the Troops stationed at
Peeks Kill were and at the time when the supposed
Murder was Committed being all of them disbanded, so
that very probably no Witnesses can ever be procured
against the said John Brown, should he be brought to
Tryal, and he having been brought before the Board
several times & Examined touching the said Murder, has
always asserted his Innocence & expressed his Inclination
to inlist in the Continental Army, & he having during
the whole of his Confinement been subsisted at the pub-
lick Expence.
Resolved therefore, that he be Discharged.
Ordered, that Lewis Palmer one of the persons compre- Lewis
hended in the Resolution of Convention of the 7 March ord^Ta to
last and who has contemptuously neglected to appear IleS*'
before this Board agreeable to their Order, be appre-
hended & sent under Guard to this Board, & that they
will defray the Expence thereof
Order'd that the Wife of Griffin Cory be forthwith
apprehended & sent under Guard to this Board & that
they will defray the Expence thereof
Resolved that Major Strang be requested to Issue
Orders to an Officer of the Militia under his Comm*^ to
Execute the above Orders of this Board
Lieu*^ Humphry appeard, & produced his pay Rol, & £2i..ix..2
acco* for Rations amount^ to £ 21 . . 11 . . 2.^^ Humpuryl
Ordered that the same be paid.
Cap* Joseph Reynolds appeared before this Board and capt jo»
being duly Sworn, Saith, that he hath lately had con- Deposition
versation with Abraham Brower & Walter Hire, both of nSik^
them related to John Losee. That the Dep* hath under- ^'°"'^'
stood from the said Brewer & Hyer, that they conceived
Harris & Losee by their discourse to be greatly disaffected
"App. II, p. 454.
238
STATE OF NEW YORK
to the American Cause, and particularly that Hyer told
him he had heard Harris say it was a pity the Congress
were not hanged for bringing these troubles upon the
Country. And that Brower told the Dep^ that he did
not beheve there was a person more inimical to the pres-
ent Measures pursuing by the Country than Losee. That
Brower is Brother in law to Losee, And the Dep^ further
saith, that Charles Davis belongs to the Comp^ to which
the said Dep* is Cap* has always been very troublesome
& refractory. That at a certain time, during this Winter
at a Meeting of the Company Davis abused & Insulted
the Dep* and called the present Governm* of the State,
a Damned unjust Government and said he would never
Join the Rebels in fighting
Joseph Reynolds
Doct:
Prosser
permitted
to go to
Doct : Os-
bom's on
Parol
5 Dollars
ree* for
Doctor's
Instrum**
sold
«/ paid
Francis
Wiltse
Walter
Hyer to
be appre-
hended
Sergt
M'= Lease
order'd to
convey the
■ Prisoners
in Guard
Hoiise to
Poughkeep.
sieGoal
Resolved, that Doct: Prosser be permitted to go &
remain at the house of Doct: Osborn, & be under his
Care & Direction, on Parol till the further Order of this
Board.
The Board perceiving a Number of Doctor's Instru-
ments lying in the Closet, & no Owner appearing for
them, & lest they might be lost, sold them to Doct:
Osborn for the sum of 5 Dollars
Francis Wiltse produced his Acco* ag^* the late Com-
mittee for 6/,
Ordered that the same be paid.
Resolved that Lieu*' Charles Piatt cause Walter Hyer
to be apprehended & sent to this Board forthwith and
this Board will pay the Expence thereof
Ordered, that Sergeant M*" Lease Convey the prisoners
in the Guard House to Morrow Morning to Poughkeepsie
Goal, and keep a good & Sufficient Guard at the said
Goal, and the Keeper thereof is hereby required to re-
ceive & detain the said Prisoners in close Custody tiU
the further Order of this Board
Board Adjourned
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 239
Saturday April 12'^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson 1
Jos: Strang I Esq"
Peter Can tine J
M'' Gidion Oosterhout appear'd before the Board and oidn
produced a Letter from Cap* Peter Coon of Dover in- brot'^^L'et-
forming that Twelve persons were going off to the caVt'^mer
Enemy, & that he had apprehended four of them, to wit, PHsoMrs &
George Mitchel Elias Dutcher, Adam Coon & John Knf^
Pinnier, whom he sent to this place
Adam Coon appeared, & being duly sworn Deposeth & Adam
saith, That he had for some time past intended to go to SStion
Philadelphia on a Vistit [sic] to his Mother in law, and
having declared his intentions to Edw*^ E Wheeler, that
a few days ago, the said Wheeler told him that if he had
a mind to go to Philadelphia he could go with them to
Norwalk, that the Dep*^ being a Stranger in the Country he
supposed that Norwalk was in the Rout, agreed to go that
accordingly he set out with Wheeler & John Pinnier but
before the[y] proceeded abo* a Mile, the Dep*^ disliking
the Scheme, determined to return, which he accordingly
did, that Wheeler & Pinnier also returned & concealed
themselves. That as they were on the Road together
Wheeler Inform'd the Dep* of his Intentions of going to
Norwalk in order to go over to the Enemy, & that there
was a party who had engaged in the same scheme, and
that Richard Gillet Jacob Elliot & John Pinnier belonged
to the party. That the Dep* imagines that Wheeler &
Pinnier were induced to return because they could not
find the rest of their Company.
his
Adam X Coon
mark
Benjamin Pitcher appeared, & being duly sworn, De- Benj*
poseth & saith, that about 3 or 4 Weeks ago he came to Deposition
live at Dover with Edward E. Wheeler, and soon per-
ceiving said Wheeler to be a disaffected person, the Dep*
240 STATE OF NEW YORK
the better to make discoveries pretended also to be dis-
affected— that he understood by Wheeler that a Company
of Seventeen had Joined to go over to the Enemy, that
Wheeler & Anthony Carpenter, Elias Dutcher, Simeon
Butcher W"" Drinkwater, Isaac Burhance & John Pinnier
belonged to the Company — That Pinnier & Drinkwater
informed the Dep* that some of the Company to wit,
they Pinnier & Drinkwater, & the Two Dutchers had
the week before last actually set off & on their way, got
to Norwalk within two Miles of the Sound, but were pre-
vented from going farther by our Guards, whereupon
they dispersed & returned home again. That Drinkwater
& Pinnier also told the Dep* that George Mitchel & Jacob
Elliot had gone out before, in order to provide provisions
& a place for them to stay till Boats could be procured
to carry them to Long Island.
Benjamun Pitcher
And the above Dep* being further Examined saith that
Peter Pick's Wife told him that Dirick Dutcher father
to the aforesaid Dutchers had buried a Barrel of Pork for
the Regulars, as he expected that they would be along
that way this Summer.
Benjamun Pitcher
John John Neher (& who in the above Depositions thro*
amination''' mistake is called John Pinnier) being Examined saith
diMffect°ed that Mitchel & the two Dutchers persuaded him not to
^'"^"^ declare the Truth. That the Dutchers told him that
Mitchel & Jacob Elliot were gone to Norwalk to make
preparation. That Drinkwater & Burhance fetched the
Deponant from Johanis Wheeler's in order to Join them
to go to the Enemy. That the Deponent George Mitchel,
Drinkwater, Burhance Elliot, Edw"^ E W^heeler Carpenter,
Elias Dutcher & Simeon Dutcher, Stephen Bradshaw &
John Griffin were of the Number to go to the Enemy &
have been at Norwalk, and that they were to Join the
Enemy on Long Island — that the Number that was to
go off was Fifteen, as he recollects
Johannes nohr
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 241
Elias Dutcher, appeared, & being Examined, Confesses ^»a»^^_..^
that he was of the party that went to Norwalk in order c^fesjion
to Join the Enemy, that while they were at Norwalk they tioii^^'" "^'
were concealed in the Barn of a Man whose name he
thinks was Patrick [space left blank] that Drinkwater
Neher David Elliot, John Griffin, Timothy Crandle
Stephen Bradshaw, Burhance, Mitchel, Jacob Elliot,
Simeon Dutcher, & this Dep* were the party who went
down from Dover to Norwalk, & staid in the said Barn.
That on their way down, three persons (strangers) came
& Joined them. That the Dep* understood from the said
three persons, that they belonged to this County, & had
been Confined in PhiP Goal, & had been released by
Order of the Continental Congress. That one of them
told the Deponent, that he was a Captain of the Militia
and had been Confined for refusing to fine his men, and
that the Dep* on his return from Norwalk understood
from a person on the Road, that the said Captain & his
Brother had been apprehended for inlist^ Men for the
Enemy last fall. The Dep* further saith that Bradshaw
asked him if he would not inlist in the Enemies Service,
& the Dep* refused, that he understood from Bradshaw,
that he now belonged to Cap^ Grant's Comp^ in the
Enemies Service.
Elias Dedutcher
Resolved, that a Letter be wrote to Cap^ Coon, re- Letter to
questing him to apprehend the other persons belonging Sec^^""
to the above party, & send them under Guard to this i'ngd^s^''''
Board at Poughkeepsie, and they will defray the Expence pSs
thereof
Gideon Osterhout produced his Acco* of the Guards £7.. 5.. 4
apprehending & bringing 4 Prisoners, amount^ to oldLn
£'7 C A Osterhout
Ordered, that the same be paid
Ordered, that Sergeant Baker convey George Mitchel, serg' Baker
Elias Dutcher & Johannis Neher, to Poughkeepsie, & pZghkeep-
confine them in Goal there, until the further Order of mS
this Board outSer
242
STATE OF NEW YORK
Adam Coon
permitted
on Parol.
20 ShUlings
p<i Pitcher
£6. .14
paid Cap*
Weeks
£854..
11. .9%
pd Hen :
Wyckoff
Members
of late
Com : to be
consulted
respect^
Wyckoffs
Commis-
sions
Several
Letters &
receipts
rec<i from
the East-
ward by
Lieu* Brett
£4. .14. .5
p* Henry
Peckwell
Denny's
Dep°
Resolved, that Adam Coon be permitted to return
hom[e] on his parol to appear before this Board at
Poughkeepsie, in Eight Days.
Ordered, that 20 Shillings be paid to Benj* Pitcher for
Secret Services.
Cap* Ja^ Weeks produced his Acco* against the Board
amount^ to £6. .14. . —
Ordered that the same be paid
M"" Henry Wyckoff produced his Acco* as Commissary
to the late Committee of this Board by which it appear'd
that there was due to him for Cash advanced a Balance
of £354.11.914
Ordered that the same be paid
Resolved, that the Members of the late Committee be
consulted respect^ the allowance to be made M'" Wyckoff
for his Commissions & Services as Commissary.
Lieu* Brett appeared, & produced a Letter from the
State of New Hampshire, with a Rec* for Two Hundred
Pounds, Also a Letter from the Comm* of Worcester,
with their rec* for Sixty Pounds. Also a Letter from the
Committee of Spencer with their reic* for £5. .14. .11^.
Also a Letter from Col: Welch, also a Rec* from the
Comm* of Springfield for Thirty Pounds. Lieu* Brett
also produced his Acco* by which it appeared, that after
retain^ in his hands the Sum of £ 35 . . 4 . . 7 for his Ex-
pence & Services, there remained a Balance due to this
Board of £9 . . 5 . . 101/4 which he paid accordingly
Henry Peckwell produced his Acco* of Sundries paid
by him for the use of this Board am*^ to £ 4 . . 14 . . 5
Ordered that the same be paid him.
William Denney appeared before this Board, & being
duly Sworn, Deposeth & saith, that some time in Oct:
last, he was taken by the Orpheus Frigate, & continued
on Board of her till the 23^ of March, when he made his
Escape from the Enemy at Rhode Island That he came
from Providence to this Precinct in his way to Philadel-
phia with M'" Jacobus Degraaf That while he was at
M" Degraaf's, he frequently went among the Tories in
that Neighbourhood and in order to make discoverys,
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 243
pretended to be a Tory himself. That among other per-
sons he has conversed with Simon Knoxon, who Informed
him that he intended to go off soon to the Enemy and
Expected to be appointed by Gen^ Howe Sutler to his
Army. That One Armstrong a Taylor who lives at
Knoxon's told the Dep* he intended to go off immedi-
ately, and that if the Kings Army was to Come near, he
could at any time raise 600 Men to join him. That if
he had Arms and Ammunition Enough, he believed he
had men Sufficient to force their way to the Kings Troops
and that he intended to go & carry Intelligence of this
matter to the Enemy. That Knoxon said that if there
was a Frigate or two in the River he would soon supply
them with a large quantity of Wheat & other Stores, that
he was determined to take no more paper money, but
receive all his Debts in wheat, and have it about a Mile
from the River convenient to supply the Enemy, when
an opportunity served. That the Dep^ has also had some
conversation with Tho^ Lawrence, that said Lawrence
had frequently assisted & Encouraged several persons to
go off to the Enemy & that Lawrence told him that there
was a certain person who had been with the Enemy &
retum'd again and had Conducted a party of Thirty
Men who went off last Sunday Night, Armed with Ten
Guns & four Pistols, & that the party went from the
house of Johannis Medler. That William Yates informed
the Dep* that Thirty Men intended to go off from the
same place to morrow night, that Yates did not intend
to go himself, but would wait till the Enemy's Army was
come into the Country, & that then he would Join them,
— That the Deponent in order to make more full dis-
covery pretended that he had come from the Enemy, with
intent to collect the Names of all such as wanted protec-
tions, that in consequence of that, Lawrence gave him
the Dep* the List which he now delivers into this Board,
that the Dep^ directed Lawrence not to take down the
names of any persons, but such as desired protections.
That the Dep* being last night at Medler's, Medler de-
sired him to procure a protection for him also. That the
244 STATE OF NEW YORK
Dep* last night was at Joel Dubois's with a young man,
(a Taylor by trade) wearing a green Jacket Leather
Breeches, his hair Tied, Tall and well made, who In-
formed the Dep* that he was going off immediately to
the Enemy
W™ Denney
Board adjourned to Poughkeepsie.
Monday April 14'^ 1777. Board met at Pough-
keepsie
Present
Egbert Benson 1
Melancton Smith j^Esq""^
Peter Cantine J
£6..i2 p<» Henry Peckwell produced his Acco* of Wages for nine
peckweii DaysasSecr^ £5.. 12.
Ordered, that the same be paid
Lyons Lawrence Lyons who was committed yesterday as a
discharged gugp^cted pcrsou appearing before the Board and having
voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance
Ordered that he be discharged
Noxon'a Slmou Kuoxon appearing before this Board Confessed
on ess on gybg^^ntially the facts alledged against him in the fore-
going deposition of William Denny, further Confesses
that he had advised Armstrong to go off as he was in
danger of being taken by the whigs & that he beleives
said Armstrong is gone to New York
Deiiny's 20 William Denny appearing again before the Board and
^xamina- j^gjj^g further examined deposeth and saith that on Sat-
urday evening last when he left the fish Kill to return
to the Neighbourhood of Hackinsack, he came to the
house of Joel Du Bois, who informed the depon* that a
party was to go off to the enemy last night from the
House of his Brother Benjamin Dubois, who was to be
of the party also, & that he Joel had three guns in his
house, that the deponent told Said Joel Dubois that he
intended to go to Poughkeepsie to procure the Names of
the Commiss'"^ and to Converse with the prisoners con-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 245
fined there and endeavour to procure from them Intelli-
gence that from there he was to return again to his House
when he Dubois would have two of the principal persons
who were to go off there to Converse with the deponent
that upon the deponents return from Poughkeepsie to
Duboises, he told the deponent, that he had endeavored
to find the men but that they were akeady gone off, that
yesterday morning the Depon* was with Thomas Law-
rance that he also Informed Lawrance of his intentions to
go to Poughkeepsie for the purpose above mentioned,
that Lawrance consented to come with him & provided
him with a Horse, that they accordingly came to Pough-
keepsie and were there the greater part of the day, that
last evening in his way from Duboises to Degraafs he
met with Ezekiel Pinkny who desired and entreated the
deponent to take down his name for a Protection, and
that whenever the Deponent came to him he would give
him every Assistance in his power & that he expected
to be double & treble paid for his trouble out of the
Rebels plantations. The Depon*^ further saith that
Johannis Medler told him that he had taken the oath of
Allegiance, but that he was compelled therto & did not
mind it.
W" Denney
It appearing to this Board that William Denney hath
expended a considerable Sum in making the above
Discoveries
Resolved that 35 dollars be paid to the said William
Denny to reimburse him for his Expences and as a Com- ^^""^
pensation for his Services
Ordered that Simon Noxon Thomas Lawrence and Noxon.
Johannis Medlar be committed to Goal ^^Sai
committed
Resolution
£14p'»
A Resolution ^^ from Convention authorizing the
Board to raise a Company of Rangers for one year unless o?conven
tion to
sooner discharged to consist of a Captain two Subs 4 ^ajsea
Serg*^ 4 Corporals 1 Drum 1 Fife & 60 Privates to be
allowed Continental Pay and Rations or in Lieu of
"Passed Ap. 9, 1777. Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 872.
amination
246 STATE OF NEW YORK
Rations the following Subsistance viz* Cap 18/ p'' Week
Subs 16/ & Serg*^ &c 12/.
Heyer'sEx- Walter Hire appearing before this Board and being
duly sworn deposeth and saith That about a m'th ago
the deponent had some conversation with John Losee
that he Losee violently exclaimed against the Measures
of the Country & damned the Congress, that when cau-
tioned by the deponent to be careful with respect to
what he said, he replyed he was not afraid for when he
got among the damned Whigs he knew how to humour
them. And when he was among his friends the Honest
Tories, he was of their side or words to that Effect further
the deponent saith not.
Joseph Resolved that Joseph Harris be dismissed from his
discharged Parol & that he be permitted to return home
16/ pa Resolved that the sum of Two Dollars be paid to Lieu*
Piatt Piatt for his Service in apprehending and bringing before
this Board Abraham Brewer & Walter Hire as Evidences
Board adjourned
Tuesday April 15^^ Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Peter Cantine Ju''
Wooden Resolved that Henry Wooden be permitted to return
^Tarof home upon his parol to appear again before this Board
within Three Weeks
40 /pi Ordered that Henry Wooden be paid the sum of five
Wooden j)ollars for secret services^ ^
Bergh Christian Bergh Johannis Becker Johannis Eckert
Becker
Eckert Christopher Ring Christian Dederick & Lodowick Stryt
Dederick persous Comprehended within the Resolution of Conven-
on Parol tiou appeared before the Board and refused to take the
Oath of Allegiance.
Ordered that they severally return to their respective
Places of Abode til the further Order of this Board
"App. II, p. 455.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 247
Nathanal Conklin who was released from his Confine- conckiin
ment in Worster Gaol appeared before this and having
Voluntarily affirmed his Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
Leiu* Valentine Wheeler appearing before the Board cnnkwater
informed that he had brought here William Drinkwater prehended"
& Aaron Bets Prisoners
William Drinkwater appearing and being Examind Drink-
Confesses, that about a fortnight ago the examinant Elias confusion
Dutcher Simon Dutcher, Isaac Burhans, Johannis Neir,
David Elliot, Jacob Elliot, George Mitchel Stephen Brad-
shaw & three Strangers, went down to Norwalk with a
design to go over to Long Island, in possession of the
enemy, that his design was not to join them but to get
work there and to be clear from Trouble here, that while
they were at Norwalk they were concealed in a Bam
there, where Mitchel came to them, that Mitchel & Elliot
went down before them in order to procure provisions,
that Edward E. Wheeler was knowing to there going off,
that the Examinant understood, that it was the design
of the rest of the party to join the Enemy.
William Drinkwater
Aaron Bets appearing before this Board affirmeth and ^f^'^^^^^^
saith that he was knowing to the going off of Elias
Dutcher Simon Dutcher William Drinkwater John Neir,
that George Mitchel, & Jacob Elliot as he was informed
by others went before to make preparation, that the
Dedutchers & Drinkwater said their Intentions was not
to inlist into the Enemies Service if they could get other
employ, that the affirmant understood that Stephen
Bradshaw & Samuel Fillow had been over to the Enemy,
that he discovered from the discourse of Edward I.
Wheeler that he intended to go with the above party also
Aaron Betts
Ordered that William Drinkwater & Aaron Betts be Drinkwater
sent to the Guard House comr^tted
Board Adjourned
248 STATE OF NEW YORK
Wednesday April le^"" 1777. Board met
Present
M'" Benson
M"^ Cantine
Dutchex It appearing to the Board that Elias Dutcher had upon
discharged j^.^ Retuoi home and before it was known that he had
attempted to go off to the Enemy enlisted for the four
Months Service and declaring his Determination still to
continue in the Service if he might be permitted and
offering voluntarily to take the Oath of Allegiance to this
State and being accordingly sworn
Ordered that he be discharged.
Sa ed Adam Coon appearing and having voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Resolved that the farther sum of Twenty eight shillings
for secret Services be paid to Benj. Pitcher
E^te Resolved that Cap^ Van Duersen be authorized and
be sold required forthwith to sell of the Estate of George Mitchel
to the Amount of Thirty pounds and hire another Person
to serve in the Stead of the said George Mitchel in the
present Draft of the Militia from this County
ii5: 16^: Lieut* Wheeler produced a Bill of the Expence of the
whelier Dctachmeuts of Militia of Cap* Chamberlayne's & Coon's
Companies persuing and apprehending Delinquents and
a Bill of the Expence of the Guard conducting Drink-
water to this Place amounting in the whole to £ 15: 16: 0
Ordered that the same be paid
Betto Resolved that Aaron Betts be discharged
£i:^T6 M"' David Lyons produced an Account ag* the Board
po Lyons of £ 1 : 17: 6 for his Services as Express.
Ordered that the same be paid
Mastenft M"" De Graff appeared and informed that Peter Masten
blaTpr^- who went off to the Northward last Winter when the
Militia marched returned home on Saturday night and
finding that the Tories had already marched, went after
them but not being able to overtake them came back
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 249
again is now at home. That Francis Laroy was privy to
the Tories going off and confessed it to Cap^ Piatt
Ordered that they be apprehended
Lieu*" Jonathan Crane appearing before this board pro- Johnaou
duced an order from Col' John Field, for delivering to cavidNa*
this Board Johnson Nash, David Nash, Joseph Morris, mS
Josiah Riggs Solomon Field Gilbert Field and John R'isss
Palmer Prisoners, & William Wilson, James Wilson & F°e?d'*'"
George Bartlet as evidences, whom he accordingly de- Fiewf
livered here Paimer
William Wilson appearing before this Board and being wliioT
duly sworn deposeth & saith, that the several matters wmlon*
Contained in his Examination take before CoP Field are kttajpr'l'
true except, that he did not understand that Johnson ^^l^,^
Nash was to be Captain or Joseph Morris Lieu* of the deposition
Company when they should come among the enemy, but
that they only called them Cap* & Lieu* on their March
down & that he cannot possitively say whether Solomon
Field was in the woods with them nor that John Palmer
Brought them Cyder & Victuals
See deposition W. W.
George Bartlet appearing before this Board and being
duly sworn deposeth & saith, that the several Matters
contained in his deposition signed by him and delivered
in to this Board is substantially True
(See deposition filed G B
Ordered that Johnson Nash, David Nash, Joseph
Morris, & Josiah Riggs be committed
Ordered that Solomon Field Gilbert Field, John Pal-
mer, William Willson, James Wilson & George Bartlet
to be permitted to go at large on Parol to appear before
this Board to morrow morning.
Sergeant Uriah Wallace producing his acco* for ex- £io:2:«
pences of a guard for apprehending & Conveying hither p^wauace
Prisoners amounting to £ 10 . . 2 . . 6
Ordered that the same be paid
Lieut* Crane produced his Account of the Guard appre- £ 21 : a : e
hending and conveying Prisoners to this Place amounting Sem^"**
to£21:3:6
250 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that the same be paid
Board adjourned
Thursday, April 17'^ 1777 Board met
Present
M"^ Benson
M^ Cantine
jas James Wilson appearing before the Board and being
DeSion duly swom deposeth and saith, that he was of the party
that went down to Norwalk, Consisting of the deponent,
his Brother William, Johnson Nash Joseph Morris &
several others whose names the deponent does not know,
that Josiah Riggs was one of those that Piloted them
down, beleives that it was the intention of some of the
party to go down to the Enemy but knows not in par-
ticular whom.
his
James J Wilson
mark
Palmers John Palmer appearing before this Board and having
Deposition affirmed to declare the truth, saith, that he met with a
company in the woods Accidentally as he was going to
view some Coalwood, that he knew none of the party
except George Sheldon, that he saw no Arms in the Com-
pany, & consequently denies that he received in his
Charge from any of that party as set forth in the deposi-
tion of William Wilson.
Nash's Johnson Nash Appearing before this Board deposeth
& saith that the night he went off he was met by a party
among whom where the two Wilsons & Joseph Morris
in a Log House near Joseph Mabbitts, that in their way
to dover they were Joined by others in arms, that they
were supplyed with Cyder & provisions from one Field
that not far from there in the woods they were Joined
by Josiah Riggs who Piloted them down to Salem, that
several of the Party returned the first night after their
departure some of which the deponent saw at his return
Deposition
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 251
Viz* Ross's Negro or Mulatto, and others whom he does
[not] know when he was informed they were engaged in
the Continental Service, that the deponent and others
Viz* Two Wilsons & Morris & 6 went down to Norwalk
where the deponent was taken, the deponent further
saith that Daniel Southrick declared his determination
to go to New York, that he asked the deponent if he was
not going also? that he the deponent was influenced &
advised by him and others to go off that the deponent
Collected from the Conversation with Southrick that he
knew of the going off of several persons
Johnson Nash
Joseph Morris being of the denomination Called Moms-a
friends having affirmed to declare the truth, saith, that ^^p°^'*'°"
he was of the party that when down, & Confesses in sub-
stance the same with the other depositions taken relative
to the matter & that Daniel Southrick rather encouraged
the affirmant to go off than dissuade him from it, that
when they came to Dover at the house of one Wooley
they found Daniel Southrick there, who went & con-
tinued with them all night & next morning left them but
whether with a design to return home or to proceed on
his Journey alone does not know.
Joseph Morris
Josiah Riggs being duly sworn saith, that he was re- Rigg-s
quested by Nehemiah Field in behalf of Ezekiel Hawly ^^P°^^t^°"
Ju"" to Pilot a party of men, that he accordingly conducted
them to the House of said Hawly, that he beleived that
their design was to go to Long Island
JosiAH Riggs
Resolved that James Wilson W" Wilson John Palmer The
Solomon Field George Bartlet and Gilbert Field be Sf'
discharged l^^y^l
The Reverend M'" Bryan one of the Persons Compre- ^^^^^^f '^
hended in the Resolution of Convention of the 7*^ March Bryan^
last appeared before this Board and refused to take the
oath of Allegiance
252 STATE OF NEW YORK
Ordered that he return home until the further order of
this Board
Board adjourned
Friday April 18^^ 1777. Board met.
Present
M*" Benson
M"" Cantine
A Letter recieved from the Committee of Safety of
Westchester County in favour of James Brundage
James Rcsolvcd that James Brundage now Confined in Goal
Sfttid in the State of New Hampshire be released from Con-
home"™ finement & permitted to return to this State, upon Con-
dition that previous to his discharge from Goal, he give
his Parol to the Person having charge of him, that he
will immediately upon his return appear before this
Board take the oath of Allegiance to this State & abide
the further order & determination of this Board respect-
ing him.
Tho» Craft Thomas Craft, one of the persons who was sent for
oattfpf^ from his Confinement in Worster Goal, appearing before
Allegiance ^j^-g ^^^^^ ^ haviug voluutarily taken the oath of
Allegiance
Ordered that he be Discharged & permitted to return
home
sami cuer Resolved that Samuel Cuer now Confined in Goal in
to™tum the town of Worster in the State of Massachusets, be
released from his confinement & permitted to return into
this State, upon Condition that Previous to his discharge
from Goal he give his Parol to the Committee of that
Town that he will immediately upon his return appear
before this Board, take the oath of Allegiance & abide
their further order and determination respecting him
Freer and Resolved that Lieut^ Bowne seize all arms & ammuni-
diMTOed" tion in the Houses of Simeon Freer and Cornelius Veile
and bring them to this Board.
Richo A Letter from Cap^ Coon informing that he had appre-
prehended heuded and sent to this Board Richard Gillet.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 253
Richard Gillet being duly sworn saith that he knew
that the Party who lately went from Dover to Norwalk
intended to go off previous to their going. That he
understood the Butchers, W" Bradshaw Sam^ Fills,
Stephen Bradshaw, Benj'' Boult, Isaac Burhans were to
be of the party, but does not know whether they all went.
That he never learn't from them particularly what their
Intentions were in going off
Richard Gillett
Ordered that Richard Gillet be committed
M'" Sampson produced an Account of the Expence of £i:s:s
apprehending the said Richard Gillet and conveying him slmpsoa
to this Place amoun^ to £ 1 : 8 : 8
Ordered that that the same be paid
Resolved that Johannis Neher be discharged Neher
David Nash appearing before this Board and having pavl'dS
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State discharged
Ordered that he be discharged from his Confinement
& permitted to return to his place of Abode.
Johnson Nash & Josiah Riggs appearing before the johnon
Board and having severally Voluntarily taken the oath sAgla^^^
of Allegiance to this State ""^"^
Ordered that they be permitted to return home
Joseph Morris appearing before the Board & being Joseph
one of the People called friends he voluntary made ^£l^«id
affirmation of his Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged
Board adjourned
Saturday April W 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M"" Cantine
William M*' Crea appearing before the Board confessed m-^ or«a's
that he belongs to the Royal Emigrants a Regiment in ^"'««**>«
the Service of the King of Great Britain, that he inlisted
in the Regiment at New York some time in October last.
254
STATE OF NEW YORK
Peter Nefas
permitted
to return
home
£ 1000 pd
by M"- B to
the Board
John
Van Ette
discharged
from Goal
& to appear
before the
Board
MeCrea
sent to be
tryed as
a Spy
Richd
GiUet
discharged
that he left New York the first of March with intent to
go to the Union Iron Works to visit his Brother, that
being in the Neighbourhood of Florida in Orange County-
he was discovered and apprehended about the 6*^ March
and committed to Goshen Goal. That he came from New
York upon Furlough for a Month which he obtained
from Major Small
Resolved that Peter Nafus now Confined in Gaol in the
Town of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts Bay,
be released from his confinement & permitted to return
into this State, upon condition that Previous to his dis-
charge from Gaol, he give his Parol to the Committee of
that Town, that he will immediately upon his return
appear before this Board, take the oath of Allegiance,
and abide their further order and determination respect-
ing him
M"" Benson paid into this Board £ 1000, which he Re-
ceived out of the Treasury & for which the Treasurer
has his Receipt
Resolved that John Van Nette now confined in Gaol at
Kingston, be released from Confinement & the Keeper
of the said Gaol is hereby Authorized and required to
discharge him accordingly
Ordered that he appear before this Board as soon as he
shall be able to travel
Resolved that William M*=Crea be sent to Gen' M*'
Dougal to be tried as a Spy.
Richard Gillet having voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Board adjourned
Sunday April 20*^ 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M"" Cantine
John "^^^^ Light being duly sworn saith, that Ferdinand
D^oriH n ^^^ Sicklen informed him the Night before the last that
about Van he had been down beyond our Lines, that there was a
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 255
Brigade of Regulars coming out to be commanded by a sicuen's
New Yorker and that there were 25 Sail of Shipping at l^^yold
Tary Town,— That the said Van Sicklen mentioned the °"'"°''
above Facts to the Dep^ in such a way as to induce the
Dep* to beleive them to be true.
John Light
Caleb Mitchel being duly sworn saith, that on yesterday caieb
Morning Zachariah Clump informed the Deponent that Dip^tb*
he had been beyond our Lines, that when the Deponent ^f^^^
reprehended him for going he replied that he would go ourLiies
where and when he pleased or words to that Effect
Caleb Mitchell
Joseph Welpley being duly sworn saith, that yesterday j^^^p^
morning being in Conversation with Zachariah Clump ^g^^p^^^t*
he told the Deponent that he had been beyond our Lines. ^°
That speaking of the Impropriety of Persons being per-
mitted to go to the Lines and return again the said Clump
replied that it was hard People might not go where they
pleased and that for his part he intended to go where he
chose or words to that effect. That the said Clump ex-
pressed himself with Warmth.
Joseph Whelple
John Lent being sworn saith, that he was present and Jn<> Lent's
that the Depositions of Mitchel and Welpley are sub- cTump
stantially true.
John X Lent's Mark
The said Ferdinand Van Sicklen & Zachariah Clump van
& a certain Thomas Brush who in consequence of an a^'p^
Order for that purpose had been apprehended appearing J^hended
before the Board
Ordered that they be committed
Board adjourned
Monday April 2P^ 1777 Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M'" Cantine
256 STATE OF NEW YORK
A Letter from Cap* Barnard Swartwout informing that
he sent under Guard to this Board WilHam Manring
apprehended upon Suspicion of having been with the
Enemy
w» The said WiUiam Manring being examined saith that
EMmh^-^ he left home on Monday and went as far as CoP Lud-
*'"*" dingtons in order to procure some Flax and that this was
his only Errand, that he accordingly procured some Flax
at Joseph Morses in that Neighbourhood and returned
home on Thursday. Denies his going in Company with
John W" Lawson and that he knew any thing of his
going off.
and Ordered that be committed
T^s^^^^ Whereas James Smith Esq"" one of the Persons compre-
SeredlT heuded in the Resolution of Convention of the 7'^ March
hinff" last he having been removed to a Neighbouring State
sutheiiands ^OT uotorious Disaffcctiou to the Liberties of America
°^^" hath most contumaciously and contemptuously neglected
to appear before this Board agreeable to their Order of
the 10"" March last notwithstanding he has long since
known thereof
Resolved that Col° Sutherland be requested to issue
his orders to an officer of the Militia under his Command
to cause the said James Smith to be apprehended and
bro't before this Board forthwith and that this Board
vvill defray the Expence thereof.
Resolution Resolutlou ^^ rec'' from Convention of the 18*^ Inst*
Convention request^ this Board to transmit the Names & direct the
r"'uerts delivery of such persons as are Confined in the Counties
of PerconI ^^ Ulster Orange or Dutchess as come within the Resolu-
i^ukter ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^ Seventh [sic for seventeenth] Days of
Dutchess April, to General George Clinton together with the proofs
mittedTo^' against the Criminals for Tryals. And Resolving farther,
Gen:Giin- ^^^^ ^ discretiouary power be given to this Board, to
pardon or dismiss such of the persons now in Confine-
ment, as this Board conceives may safely be admitted to
go at large.
''Jour. N. Y. Prou. Cong. I, 889.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 257
William Manring appeared, & being duly sworn, De- w™
poseth & Saith, That on Sunday the 13*^ Ins* happening Ssftfon
to go to his Uncle John W" Lawsons, he found there the
said Lawson, & Two persons from over the River of the
Name of Purdy, Obadiah Miller, & James Burtis, (who
sometimes goes by the name of Jee) that the said Lawson
informed the Dep* that they intended to go off, and as
the Dep* then understood to the Enemy, in order to get
out of the present Troubles, & asked the Dep* to go with
them. That the Dep* at first replied that he was in doubt
what to do, that at length in consequence of their per-
suasions consented to go with them. That they accord-
ingly set out & the Dep*' proceeded with them some dis-
tance, towards the Mountains. That about Nine oClock
at night the Dep* determined to leave them, which he
accordingly did & returned home. That when he left
them he understood from the Purdy's that they intended
to go to Barrington, But Imagines the rest of the Com-
pany pursued their Journey to the Enemy. That he un-
derstood from them, that they expected to meet other
Companies in the Mountains from different parts to the
amount of Three hundred men. That after his return
home, he went for Flax as is set forth in his former
Examination
his
William X Manring
mark
Board adjourned
Thursday April 22^ 1777. Board met.
Present
EgbertBensonl J. g
Peter Cantine J ^
Ferdinand Van Sicklin being duly sworn, Deposeth & Ferdinand
saith. That on this day fortnight ago as the Dep* was SiSep':
passing the House of Peter Lawsing (alias Funck) the
said Lawsing being in his Barn, called to the Dep* that
accordingly the Dep* went into the Barn to him, when
258 STATE OF NEW YORK
Lawsing informed him of his intentions to go off to the
Enemy, and ask'd the Dep*^ to go with him, to which the
Dep* replied, that as he had once taken up Arms in
favour of, he intended to stand by his Country but that
notwithstand^ he would take the matter into considera-
tion. That afterwards on last Saturday week as the Dep*
was going to Tho^ Deerings, he saw Lawsing between his
house & Bud's, that Lawsing beckoned to the Dep*^ to
come to him, & desired him if he saw Gideon Byce to
come to him for that he had procured two more to go
also, to wit, Peter Burnet & Matthew Burnet. That
when the Dep* came to Deerings, he found that Gideon
Byce was not at home, & understood from James Deering
that Byce having akeady been Informed of the Burnet's
going, was gone to Joseph Simpson's to acquaint him
with it. That on the next day, Gideon Byce came to the
Dep*'^ Father's, and inform'd the Dep* that they were
to meet at John W^ Lawsing's, and that they had a good
Pilot to Conduct them. That the Monday following
Hendrick Lawsing came to the Dep* and inform'd him
that they were to meet the next Evening between 10 &
11 oClock at the House of said John W™ Lawsing, that
the said Henry Lawsing said that he did not intend to
go at present himself, as his Father was his security, but
that if it was not for the Injury he would do his Father
he would also go. That on the next day, to wit, Tuesday,
the Dep* Clump & Brush set out with a Determination
to go to the Enemy, & went down to our Lines. That
then the Deponant's Conscience prick'd him & he re-
solved to proceed no farther, & told his Companions,
that as he had taken up Arms in favour of his Country
& as he had left a Wife & children behind, he never sould
fight against it. That thereupon Brush Observed that
if the Dep* was determined to return he would return
also, but that Clump made no reply. That it appeared
to the Dep* that Brush had also Remorse & repented of
what he had done. That thereupon the Dep* Clump &
Brush retum'd, & in their return at one Haviland's near
Pines Bridge, they saw a certain Doct Belden, who in-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 259
quired of them where they were from & which way they
were going to which the Dep* said that they were from
Dutchess County. That Belden then asked them if they
had not seen any of their Neighbours, for that people
from these parts frequently passed that way, & that two
of them had been at his house & described their persons,
upon which the Dep*' Asked if their names were not
Gideon Byce & Peter Funck whereupon said Doct : Bel-
den smiled. That the Dep* understood from the Conver-
sation & behaviour of said Doct: Belden, the two persons
he mentioned were Byce & Funck that he knew their
intention of going to the Enemy & that his house was a
kind of a Rendezvouse for all the Tories that went that
way. And the Dep'^ Farther saith, that after leaving the
s"^ Peter Lawsing (alias Funck) in the Bam as aforesaid
he overtook Richard Lawsing who informed him that he
(Richard) & his Brother Isaac were also to go with them.
The Dep^ further saith, that when mention^ to Funk the
Difficulty that would attend their going as they had no
hard money. Funk replied, that his Father in Law Cap*
Jeecocks had offered him three half Joes & believed that
he could get Six and upon the Dep*'^ asking Funck if
Jeecocks was willing to assist them, he replied that he
was, for that he had let them have plenty of Lead to
make Bullets, that they might go off well prepared in
case they should be opposed. That Funk & Buyce in-
formed the Dep* that Abraham Van Curen, Peter Buyce
& Joseph Simpson were also to be of the party to go.
And the Dep* further saith, that while he was in Con-
finem* in Goal here, he has had some Conversation with
Thomas Lawrence, who told him that Cap* Jeecocks,
Simeon Laroy, Simeon Van kleek, & W" Yates were to
go off last night or the night before. That Simeon Laroy
had been down to the Enemy & had returned again, and
that the party who took Medler enquired of him where
Yates was, Yates was sitting at the fire and the Guard
not knowing him, & Medler not Informing them that it
was Yates, he escaped.
FaRDINNAND V SiCLEN
260
STATE OF NEW YORK
Letter
wrote to
Maj Strang
to appre-
hend Doct
Belden
Tho»
Beekman
bro* Pris-
oner by
Ool.-Stock-
bolm
Cap'
Jeecocks
Sim : Laroy,
W™ Yates,
Hen : Law-
ion & Isaac
Lawson
order'd to
be appre-
hended
Tho»
Brush's
Dep:
Resolved, that a Letter be wrote to Major Strang, re-
questing him to cause Doct" Belden to be apprehended
& sent to this Board forthwith, and this Board will defray
the Expence thereof.
Col: Stockholm appeared before the Board, and In-
formed that he had brought with him as a prisoner
Thomas Beekman, apprehended under Suspicious Cir-
cumstances by Gen' Knox & delivered also a Letter from
Gen' Knox respecting the said person, inclosing Two
Depositions against him
Resolved, that Cap^ Bernardus Swartwout apprehend
Cap* W™ Jeecocks, Simeon Laroy, W^ Yates, Henry
Lawsing, & Isaac Lawsing, and that he be impower'd to
take such assistance as he may think proper, and that
this Board will defray the Expence thereof
Thomas Brush being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith
That on the Saturday before he set out to go to the
Enemy, Van Sicklen proposed to the Dep* to go, that
they accordingly on Tuesday last went, Viz* Van Sicklin
Clump & the Dep* Admits they set out & returned again
in the same manner & for the same reasons mentioned in
Van Sicklin's Deposition
Thomas Brush
Vansicklen,
Brush &
Man ring
discharged
\)1 : Stoek-
"lolm's
Qeposition
*ncem»
^ho»
Beekman
Resolved that Ferdinand Van Sicklen, Tho^ Brush &
William Manring be discharged.
Col: Andrew Stockholm being duly sworn Deposeth &
saith, That he hath known Thomas Beekman since the
beginning of the present Troubles & always considered
him as a person well attached to the American Cause,
& upon all Occasions to be zealous & active, that he
served under the Dep* during the last Campaign & be-
haved himself well, and at the conclusion thereof applied
to this State for a Commission That Gen' Herd informed
the Dep* that he had wrote to Virginia for a Commission
for the said Tho^ Beekman in the Light Horse, since he
came out of New York, but whether the General was
acquainted with that circumstance of his having been
in the City the Dep* does not know, & thinks it most
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 261
probable he was not, And the Dep* further saith that he
verily believes from his knowledge of the Character of
the said Thomas, that notwithstanding the suspicious
circumstance of his having been in New York he is still
a True Whig.
And"^ Stockholm
Col: Stockholm further saith, that he understood from
Col: Knox, that if there had been a Magistrate at hand
authorized to administer the Oath of Allegiance he would
have had the said Thomas Sworn and dismissed him.
And"^ Stockholm
Thomas Beekman being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith, Tho»
That some time the latter End of January last going down nlStS
to New Ark to look after his Clothes he found that people
constantly went in & out of the City of New York, where-
upon he determined to go himself to see in what situation
his Estate there was, that he accordingly went to Powles
Hook & applied to Col: Campbell for a protection, who
gave him one without asking him any Questions, or re-
quiring any Oath from him. That with this protection
he proceeded to the City & arrived there on a Saturday.
That the following Monday, all the Inhabitants were
ordered out & required to take the Oath of Allegiance
to the King & take up Arms it being at the Time of our
Expedition against Fort Independence. That upon this
the Dep* Immediately determined to quit the City, which
he accordingly did on that very Day. That at the Time
the Dep'^ went into the City, the communication was so
open & free that he might have gone in and out without
a protection, as he was never required to produce it. The
Dep* Denies his having ever had such Conversation with
Thomas Pool, & Joseph Baldwin as is set forth in their
respective Depositions, and farther says that he has
lately applied to Gen^ Herd for a Commission in the
Virginian Light Horse, who has engaged to endeavour to
procure him one, and that if he succeeds in his applica-
tion, he intends going into the Service. The Dep* further
262
STATE OF NEW YORK
saith that he went into New York with a Determination
to remain there only a few Days, with an Intent to view
his Estate, & that he left it with Determination not to
return there again, but remain in the Country or go in
the Service.
Thomas Beekman
Tho"
took the
Oath of
Alliance,
is dis-
charged
John Beek-
man
d» d"
Ab : Fort's
Deposition
Thomas Beekman having voluntarily taken the Oath
of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged, & allowd the Priviledges
with the other subjects.
John Beekman who is also accused in the Deposition
of Thomas Pool, voluntarily appearing before the Board,
& offering to take the Oath of Allegiance the same was
administered to him
Lieu* Abraham Fort being duly sworn Deposeth &
saith That when the Fray happened between Campbell
& Isaac Wood, the Dep* was busily employed in his Barr,
& attended very little to what passed, and does not re-
member that he heard Wood express himself in such
manner as is mentioned in Campbell's Deposition, that
Wood is a person who with respect of the present
Troubles will talk on both sides of the Question.
Abraham Fort
Isaac Wood Ordered, that Isaac Wood be discharged.
discharged
Board adjourned
Wednesday AprH 23^ 1777.
Present
Egbert Benson
Peter Cantine
Board met
JEsq^
Tho»&
Edward
Nickerson
took the
Oath&
discharged
£ 4..— .._
paid Cap*
Swartwout
Thomas Nickerson & Edward Nickerson, (prisoners)
appear'd and Voluntarily took the Oath of Allegiance to
this State
Ordered that they be discharged accordingly
Cap* Swartwout appear'd & acquainted the Board, that
he had apprehended & brought Prisoners, Cap* Jeecocks
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 263
W" Yates & Henry Lawsing, and produced his Acco* of jacocks,
Expences for the same. SJ"a|*
Ordered, that the same be paid. ^'''''''^'^
Board Adjourned
Thursday April 24^^^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson 1 j^g rs
Peter Cantine J
Lieu* James Butler appeared before this Board and Prisoners
informed that he had brought as prisoners by order of orange"™
the Committee of Orange County, in consequence of a Efeu"*But?'
Letter from this Board of the 10^^ Ins* the follow^ Persons ^^^^^/^^
Viyt that
Thomas Beach, has been with the Enemy
Rich*^ Welling — refused to swear Allegiance — under Bonds
John Elyea d° d°
Aaron Duckworth d° d°
David Jones d°
Simon Ray
Moses Clemens d*"
Jeremiah Mullux — very suspicious, — 2 sons with the
enemy
also Silas Gardner, & Isaac Lockwood, apprehended by
Order of John Fell & Ruliff Westervalt Esq"-^
Lieu* Butler also produced the following papers re- Papers
spect^ the above prisoners Viz* tht^iri^^
The Letter of this Board of the 10*^ Ins* ^3°"^"
A Letter from the Chairman of Com : of Orange
The Examinations of Gardner & Lockwood, taken be-
fore Mess-"^ Fell & Westervalt
A Letter from M"" Fell to Col: Cooper.
John Elyea being Examined, Confesses that Eliphalet john
Richards deposed against him before the Committee of TStion"
Orange County. That he (Alyea) had asked him if he
was going to the Regulars. That Richards replied he
was, Alyea said he had a Son there who must fight like
a Brave fellow, and that if he wanted more help, he
264
STATE OF NEW YORK
p* Lieu
Butler
£ 12..—..—
James
Smith
Esq'' bro*
Prisoner
p* Lieu*
Parks
£ 1..16..—
Tho»
Beach,
Jn" Elyea
Aaron
Duckworth
David
Jones,
Simon Ray,
Moses
Clements &
Jer : Mullux
took the
Oath, &
were dis-
missed
would send it to him. The Examinant denies that ever
he had such conversation with Richards, but admits that
he ask'd Richards if he was going, and that he meant to
ask him if he was going to the Enemy, That thereupon
he was apprehended and laid under Bonds by the
Committee
Lieu*^ James Butler appeared, and produced his Acco^
of Expences in apprehending & conveying to this place
Nine Prisoners as on the other side amount^ to £ 12. . —
Ordered that the same be paid.
Lieu'' Jonas Parks appeared, & informed the Board that
he had apprehended & brought Prisoner James Smith
Esq'-
And produced his Acco* amount^ to £ 1 .. 16.
Ordered that the same be paid
Thomas Beach, John Elyea, Aaron Duckworth, David
Jones, Simon Ray, Moses Clements, & Jeremiah Mullux,
having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this
State, and being Comprehended in the Resolution of
Convention of the 7^^ of March last, were dismissed
Board Adjourned.
Friday April 25'^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson 1
Melancton Smith ^Esq"^
Peter Cantine
Silas
Gardiner &
Isaac Lock-
wood took
the Oath
A were
discharged
Eliz»
Berry's
Dep : con-
cerning
Capt
Jeecocks
Silas Gardiner & Isaac Lockwood having Voluntarily
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that they be discharged
Elizabeth Berry being duly sworn, deposeth & saith
That during the Course of the last Winter, she lived at
Cap* Will: Jeecocks, that on the Day as his son went off
in the Evening, Gideon Buyce came to said Jeecocks's
and took him out of doors, where they had a long con-
versation together but to what purpose the Dep* does
not know, she not hearing it. That immediately after,
Buyce came into the House & took out young Jeecocks,
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 265
and conversed with him privately also a considerable
time. That thereupon Young Jeecocks came into the
House & desired his Sister to put up some Clothes for
him as he was going off. That when his Sister asked him
where he was going, he reply'd to the Fish Kills. That
his Sister thereupon observed that she did not believe his son
he was going to Fish Kills, but imagined he was going Inmy ****"
to the Regulars, he answ'' that he was. That Cap*
Jeecocks when he returned into the house after talking
with Buyce, appeared to the Dep* to be much concerned,
& very thoughtful That in the Evening, the Dep* to-
gether with young Jeecocks's Sister, went to Thomas
Deerings in order to take leave of young Jeecocks. That
on the Road to Deering's they met William F Jeecocks,
who informed he was going to Cap* Jeecocks to get a piece
of Gold for Billy. That while the Dep* was at Deerings
a party of men assembled there, to the amount of about
Thirty, among whom were. Cap* Jeecock's son, Gideon
Buyce, Sam' Pinkney, Nich^ Ostrum, Cap* Lee, from New
York, Will: F Jeecocks, John Deering, a son of Zach''
Purdun, Rob* Forrest & a Shoemaker that lived at Deer-
ings, whose Name the Dep* does not know. That the
party left Deerings about 9 oClock in the Evening with
an intent to go to the Enemy. That when the Dep* &
Miss Jeecocks return'd home. Cap* Jeecocks asked the
latter if they were gone, to which she replied they were,
whereupon he desired that they would not mention any
thing of it to the Blacks in the Kitchen. And the Dep*
further saith, that it appear'd to her from the Behaviour
of Cap* Jeecocks, that he knew of his Son's Intentions of
going off with the party to the Enemy. And the Dep*
further saith that she had seen Emanuel Allebeck about
the 24*^ of Jan^ last at Cap* Jeecocks and that she saw
him there also about the latter end of Feb^, but has not
seen him there since.
her
Elizabeth X Berry
mark
266
STATE OF NEW YORK
p« Doct :
Miller
£3..12..
Geo : Carr
took the
Oath & was
discharged
Doct: Miller produced his Acco* for Innoculating
Enoch Crosby, in the service of this Board,
Ordered that the same be paid
George Carr of Orange County, one of the persons
comprehended in the Resol: of Conven: of 7"" March
appeared before the Board, and Voluntarily took the
Oath of Allegiance to this State, and was discharged
Board Adjourned
Saturday April 26^^ 1777. Board m.et.
Present
Egbert Benson 1 p^^rs
Melancton SmithJ ^^^
6 Prisoners
bro* by
Cap*
Reynolds
£7..—
paid Cap*
Reynolds
Tho»
Brundage's
Deposition
Cap* Joseph Reynolds appeared before the Board, &
Informed that he had apprehended & brought to this
place, the following prisoners, Viz*
John Ingrum
Ezekiel Viele
Timothy Gidley
Cornelius Maston
Barnet Viele
Matthew Palmer
Cap* Reynolds Informs that he had apprehended the
above persons in consequence of Information received
from Thomas Brundage, who is also attending as a Wit-
ness, & to whom he refers for farther Information.
Cap* Reynolds produced his Acco* for apprehending
& bringing to this place 6 Tory prisoners, for himself &
15 Privates amo*^ to £ [amount not entered]
Ordered that the same be paid.
Zachariah Clump appeared before the Board and
having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this
State.
Ordered that he be discharged
Thomas Brundage being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith
That on this Day a fortnight ago when he came home
from Lieu* Piatt's he discoverd that his apprentice
Lawrence Ingrum had carried off his Clothing, that there-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 267
upon the Dep^ went to his apprentices father's Moses
Ingrum, that when the Dep* came to old Ingrums he
found there, Jacob Storm Tho' Wright the said Lawrence
Ingrum Ezekiel Viele, Timothy Gidley & John Ingrum.
That the Dep* told his apprentice he suspected that they
were upon some bad design, upon which his appren[ti]ce
& the said John Ingrum replied they were not. That
after the Deponent departed a little way from the house,
Storm & Wright foUow'd him, & the latter said that he
was come as a Spy, upon which the Dep* answer'd he
was not. Then Storm said that he was come as a Spy
and that he would not suffer the Dep^ to go home but
would put him under a Stronger guard than ever he was
in his life, and that he would be the Death of the man
who should betray him and Extorted a promise from him
the Dep* that he would not betray him in five Days.
That then Storm said that there were two hundred of
them going off to the Enemy. That at the same time at a
little distance from Ingrum's house in the Woods the
Dep* saw 7 or 8 men more whom he did not know, but
thinks it probable that one of them was Joshua Gidney.
The Dep* further saith, that tho' he does not know
whether all the persons he saw at Ingrum's were actually
to be of the party, yet it appeared to him that they all
knew of the parties intended to go down.
Thomas Brundge
M"" Martin Ray appeared & produced a Letter from Martin
Col: Peter Van Ness, recommending him as a proper fecom-
person to be appointed to a Commission in a Company
to be raised by this Board. Jpp"oK'
Resolved, that he be appointed [space left blank] ttrcomp»
Lieutenant in the said Company of Rangers
Board adjourned
Monday, April 28^^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson 1 T^„^rs
Melancton Smith] ^^^
mendation
from Col :
268
STATE OF NEW YORK
Petition of
Goes&
Palmer
[sic] is
rejected
Baren Viele
took the
Oath & is
discharged
Matthew
Palmer
Jn" Ingrum
took the
Oath & is
discharged
Ezekiel
Viele
John Max-
field's Dep :
against
Wilsey
A Petition from Matthew Goes Jun: & Dirick Gardi-
nier confined on Parol at Hurley, praying leave to go
and remain at their respective places of abode and they
appearing & having been heard in support of their
petition.
Resolved, that the said petition be rejected & that they
return again to Hurley, & remain there on their parol
as before
Barent Viele, appeared & having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered, that he be discharged.
Matthew Palmer, appeared & having Voluntarily
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
John Ingrum having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Ezekiel Viele, having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged
John Maxfield being duly sworn Deposeth & saith
That on last Tuesday evening, he was with William
Wilsey at the House of Hendrick Miller That the Dep*
upon entering into Conversation with Wilsey, pretended
to be on the same side of the Question respecting the
present Troubles, with him in hopes by that means to
make some discovery, that Wilsey ask'd the Dep* if he
might depend upon him, the Dep* replied that he might,
whereupon Wilsey inform'd the Dep* that his Son was
gone to the Enemy, & that he had delivered him over
into the Care of Henry Ostrum, & had furnished them
with provisions, that Three hundred more were to go off,
several from Staatsburg, & Rhinebeck, and that rather
than fail he, Wilsey would go himself, and Wilsey further
Informed the Dep* that he had been consulting Jacobus
Ostrum about going, & that Ostrum had advised him,
(Wilsey) to go by all means, and that Ostrum should
have said, that we should all beware of the 10**" of May
John Maxfield
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 269
Resolved, that William Wilsey be committed to Goal w" wiiwy
■r-> 11* 1 Oommltted
Board adjourned
Tuesday April 29'^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson ] -^ ,
Melancton Smith J
Esq'
Stephen Atwaters being duly sworn, Deposeth & Saith stepi.e..
That on the day before the last Fast Day in March last Dep-""^'
there were at the Deponant's house, James Smith Esq'" jl»smith
Simon Nueum, John Wilsey, & Ja^ Atwaters Esq"" That
a Conversation arose about the Order of this Board
requirin[g] the Attendance of persons comprehended in
the Resolution of Convention of the 7^^ of March last
That some of the Company Imagined that there ought
to be a special service of it on each Individual whereupon
said James Atwaters said that it was to be distributed
through the Country, and that the persons who were the
Objects of it were bound to take notice of it. That
James Smith Esq'' expressed a great desire to see the
Order, and desired the said James Atwaters Esq'' to pro-
cure him one, that a printed Copy of the said Order, has
been affixed up at the Deponant's house, during which
Time the said James Smith has several Times been there
but whether he ever read it or saw it, the Dep* does not
of his own knowledge know. The Dep* farther saith that
the said James Smith was in the hearing of the Dep*
told that Israel Lewis had the Order, whereupon the said
James Smith requested of the said Simon Nueum that
if he saw Israel Lewis, to desire him to send it to him.
Stephen atwater
Isaac Smith being duly sworn, Deposeth & Saith That isaa«
lately conversing with his Brother about the Order of iTp^ab'
this Board of the 10*^ of March last, his Brother said, isq^'^""*
that he had heard there was such a thing abroad which
he understood ought to be served upon him and that he
did not wish to see it, or words to that Effect.
Board Adjourned ^^^^ ^"^"^
270
STATE OF NEW YORK
Wednesday, April 30^^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson 1 j. rs
Melancton Smith f ^
£1..10
paid Rich"!
Warner for
Express
Joseph
Reade to
be appre-
hended
£ 1..14..—
p« to W>n
Woodworth
Resolution,
for a Slave
belongs to
W Clem-
ents to be
delivered
to Cap'
Mitchell
W" Cook's
Dep:
against
sundry
persons
gone&
going off
to the
Enemy-
Ordered, that Richard Warner be paid the sum of
Thirty ShilUngs for service done in Riding Express to
Convention, at Kingston, & it was paid accordingly
Whereas it has been represented to this Board, that
Joseph Reade Esq*" who lately came from New York and
obtained a pass from General M"" Dougall to proceed
immediately to the Convention at Kingston, hath not-
withstanding delayed several Days, and hath not as yet
attended the Convention.
Resolved, that Lieu* Smith apprehend the said Joseph
Reade and immediately bring him to this place, and that
this Board will defray the Expence thereof.
William Woodworth appeard & produced his Acco*
for services of himself & Guards in apprehending Tories
amount" to £ 1 .. 14.
Ordered that the same be paid.
Resolved, that a Slave belonging to M"" Clements of
Long Island, and now in the Service of Cap* W"" Clark
be delivered to Cap* Mitchell upon Condition that he
provide him with necessary Clothing & Diet and allow
reasonable wages for his labour and account to this
Board or other persons properly authorized for that pur-
pose for the same, and that Cap* Mitchell be permitted
to detain the said Slave in his Service till the further
Order of this Board, or till the further Order of such other
persons as shall be properly authorized to have the
Charge & disposal of him, provided this Resolution shall
not take Effect without the Consent of Cap* Clark.
William Cook being duly sworn Deposeth & Saith That
lately when they met to chuse officers in Cap* Hagaman's
Comp^ Levy Van kleek came to the Dep* and asked him
if he would go down to the Enemy, upon which he replied
that he had no inclination. That Van kleeck then desired
the Dep* to call upon him which he accordingly did on
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 271
the Monday following, when Van kleeck conducted the
Dep^ to a field on Barent Van kleeck's Farm in the Eve-
ning. That the Dep^ saw there Black Barent Van kleek,
& Barent A Van kleek, James Middagh, Peter Vande-
water Sen'" Barent Dutcher, Menecus Muntfort Francis
Laroy tavern keeper & James Maxfield that the design
of this meeting was to consult about going down to the
Enemy, and it was agreed to meet the next Evening in
order to go off, when the above persons, together with
Cap*" Hagaman, John Palmetier, & his son Francis, John
Laroy, Jacob Tobacco, Simeon L Laroy, John Low, Peter
Laroy Jun: Francis Laroy Jun: Hendrick Ostrum, Jacob
Rodes Peter Weaver, Levy Van kleek, Simeon Van kleek,
Francis Vandewater, Thomas Yeomans, (inlisted in the
standing Forces) Jacobus Rhineders, & [space left blank]
Carpenter, & a son of William Wilsey, met accordingly
That such of the above persons as did not actually go
themselves, did, notwithstanding advise & persuade the
others to go. That Barent Dutcher provided them with
ammunition. That Menicus Montford furnished them
with a pistol, & the Dep^ thinks also with a Gun. That
John Palmontier gave his son some Silver Money. That
Cap* Hagaman said he was too Old otherways he would
go himself, but that he intended to get a permission to
convey some of the families to New York, and would
then get a protection & return home, that almost all of
them desired their Love might be presented to Cap^
Harris. That such of the above persons whose names
are marked, together with the Deponent set off to go to
the Enemy, & proceeded the first night to the house of
John Rodes nearly opposite to Peeks Kill, where they
lay by all the next day concealed in the Woods ab* three
quarters of a Mile from the house, to which place they
were conducted by Rodes
That they set off the next Evening again and travelled
till about 3 oClock in the Morning, when they were con-
ducted to a Wood by a Negro, that in the afternoon
about 3 oClock, they proceeded on again and forded
Croten River about three Mile above the Bridge, the said
272
STATE OF NEW YORK
Negro being their Pilot. That the said Negro then went
to Cap* Griffin's to fetch his son to pilot them farther,
that Griffin's son did not come, but that another person
by the name of Gail (or Caleb) Griffin came and led
them to a Barn where they remained all night, that very
early the next mom^ by the direction of the said Gail
Griffin they went to a Wood and continued there till
about Two hours before sun set, when they proceeded
to a place called Shappacaw, Griffin still being their
guide, at which place they were met by another party
of which the Dep* knew none, except one William Smith
son of Tho^ Smith of this precinct, that joining with this
party they went on till within abo* Two hours March
of the Enemy, when the Dep* watched an opportunity to
& deserted in order to return home, and the Dep* further
saith, that when the party first left this precinct, they
had Twelve Muskets, & a Pistol, but before he left them
they were all supplied.
WiLLAM Cook
Board adjourned
Zeb:
Shippey
bro* pris-
oner by
Serj' Jones
& paid him
j£4.
Shippey
Committed
paid Lieu*
Bowers's
pay &
Subsistence
Rolls &ca
£240..
19.. 11
Thursday May P* 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson 1^,3
Melancton Smith J ^^^
Sergeant Isaac Jones appeared & informed the Board
that he had bro* prisoner, Zebulun Shippey, & produced
his Acco* for Expences & Service of the Guard amount*^
to £ 4.
Order'd that the same be paid
Ordered that Zebulun Shippey be Committed to Goal
Serg* Jones also produced a Letter from Col. Morehous
respecting said Prisoner
Lieu* Bowers appeared, & produced his pay & Sub-
sistence Rolls, amount^ to £238. .15. .11 & also his acco*
of Carriage for Baggage for his Comp^ from the Manor
of Livingston to Fish Kill £ 2 . .4 in all £ 240 . . 19 . . 11.
Ordered that the same be paid
Benchot^n
£2..8..-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 273
Ordered, that Jacob Backer, Peter Vandewater John Jacob
Laroy, Francis Laroy, & Dominicus Muntfort be com- f-eJrVan-
mitted to Goal, they having been previously apprehended JohnLaioy
by this Board. LaroJ'&"'
Cap*' Van benschoten appeared & Informed, that agree- MonK"
able to the Directions of this Board he had apprehended uend^
& bro* to this place, Cap* Isaac Hageman, & Barent A Hageman
Vankleek. *^l^n^"*
Ordered that they be committed to Goal. committed
Cap'' Van Benschoten produced his Acco^ of Expences p^cap^v
Sc Services, of the Guard in apprehending the above
persons am'" to £ 2 . . 8 . . —
Ordered that the same be p'^
Board Adjourned
PouGHKEEPSiE May P' 1777
Jacob Backer's Examination
He had heard a flying report that there was to be a
Meeting That John Laroy came to the house of the
Dep* about sun set That they then went from the
Examinants to go to Barent A Van kleeks, that when
they came near to Black Barents he met them in his
Orchard, and inform'd them that there was a Company
to meet in order to go to the Regulars. That then the
Exam* & Laroy turn'd back & together with Black
Barent, went to the place where the party met That
when they came to the party, the Exam* saw there,
Barent A Van kleek, James Middagh, Barent Butcher,
Francis Laroy, Cap* Hagaman, Johanis Palmenteer &
his son Fran[cis] John Laroy, Simeon L Laroy, Johannis
Low, Francis Laroy Jun: Hendrick Ostrum, Levy Van
kleek, Simeon Van kleek Francis Vandewater, Tho^
Yeomans, Jacobus Rynders & W" Coo[k] That the
Exam* left the party before they March'd That the
Exam* understood that there had been a Meeting the
Evening before, near about the same place, to wit, on
Monday Evening, upon reexamination, the Exam* con-
fesses that he was there himself, that at the first Meeting
274 STATE OF NEW YORK
were present Simeon Laroy, Francis Palminteer, Barent
A Van kleek Barent Butcher, Menecus Montfort, Francis
Laroy, Levy Van kleek, W" Cook, & Tho^ Yeomans.
The Exam* accounts for his going to the first meeting
as follows. Viz* That that Day he and his Brother in law
Barent B Van kleek went to Ride Rails for John Robin-
son That while they were there they drank pretty freely,
and that Tho^ Yeomans came there, that Yeomans after-
wards went with the Exam* & his Brother in Law, that
on the way Yeomans told him the [re] was to be a meet-
ing that Evening and that Simeon L[aroy &] he Yeo-
mans was to be at it, to consult about going [to the]
Enemy. That through the persuasions of Yeomans, the
Exam* consented to go to the Meeting & went accord-
ingly. That the Dep* remained there but a short time,
but however understood before he left them, that they
were to meet again the next Even^ but where he did not
hear, and does insist that the first certain Intelligence he
had of the place of their second meeting was from black
Barent as aforesaid
Jacop backer
Dominicus Muntfort being duly sworn saith That his
Bro'' in law Simeon Van kleek came to him and in-
formed him of the first meeting, & asked the Dep* to go
there. That the Dep* at first refused, but at length by
the persuasions of the said Simeon consented to go That
he saw there, Simeon Laroy, Francis Palmenteer Francis
Laroy, Jacob Backer, Barent Dutcher, Levy Van kleek
& William Cook. The Dep* denies that he was at the
second meeting
Dominicus Monfoort
Friday May 2^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson "|
Melancton Smith lEsq'""
Peter Cantine JunJ
Hendrick-
son
£2. .2. .10
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 275
Ordered, that the sum of £ 1. .8. . be paid Cap* Kelsy £i.-8..-
for a Guard of Eight Men & a Serjeant, part of his Com- Keise?^^
pany to keep the Goal last night
Resolved that the sum of £6.. — be advanced to £6. ad-
Stephen Hendrickson, on Acco* vancedM'
M"" Melancton Smith produced his Acco* to the Board
amount^ to £ 2 . . 2 . . 10. paw "to
i-w 1 1 1 1 Maj"- Smith
Ordered that the same be paid
Board adjourned
Saturday May 3"^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson]
Peter Cantine lEsq"
Joseph Strang J
Whereas Henry Van Skaak Esq"" one of the persons Henry van
. . Schaack
comprehended in the Resolution of the Convention of the ordered to
7*^ of March last, having neglected to appear before this Board im-^
Board agreeable to their Order of the 10*'' of March last. ""^ '^*^^
Ordered that he immediately repair to this place and
attend this Board.
Ordered, that Nich^ Brower Jun'' Detain all the Flour Nich«
in his Mill belonging to Cap* W"" Jeecocks 'till the further ordZtd to
retain Cap*
Order of this Board, or until Cap* Jeecocks shall dispose Jeecock-s
of the same to the Commissary Gen^ or any of his Agents Mii[tiii '^
for the publick Use. The like order with respect to Cap* orderf
Jeecock's flour in Cornelius Van Sicklen's Mills, to be
sent to said Van Sicklen
Samuel Cuer & Peter Neefus, (persons that were con-
fined in Worcester Goal) appeared before the Board, &
having Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this
State,
Ordered that they be discharged
A Letter from Col: Dirick Brinkerhoff enclosing a a Letter
Petition to him from Samuel Peters, Caleb Hustice James Br™keAoff
Wood, Joseph Purdy, Mordecai Brown & Jonathan Pine, pTtS^^
confined in Worcester Goal, & recommending to this pXons
Board, that the three persons last named, might be wS'°
permitted to return home
Goal
Orderd to
return
home from
Worster
276 STATE OF NEW YORK
joaepk Resolved, that Joseph Purdy, Mordecai Brown &
Mordecai Jonathan Pine, now confined in Goal in the Town of
Jpine Worcester in the State of Massachusets be released from
their Confinement and permitted to return into this State
upon Condition that previous to their discharge from
Goal, they give their parol to the Comm. of that Town,
that they will immediately upon their return, appear
before this Board, take the Oath of Allegiance & abide
their further Order and determination respecting them
Peter Van- Peter Vaudewater is permitted to go home on his parol
pimitted & to remain there 'till the further Order of this Board
In pLrZ^ Ordered, that the Sum of One pound Seventeen ShilF
Ensign be paid Ensign Laroy for a Guard of Eleven Men & him-
1%Z^" self, part of Cap' Lows Comp" to keep the Goal
Board adjourned
41. .IT.
Monday May 5* 1777. Board met
Present
M"" Benson
M*" Strang
Application having been made to this Board in behalf
of Barent Dutcher and that he was willing to surrender
himself and make a full Discovery of what he knows
respecting any Plotts or Conspiracies against the Lib-
erties of America Provided this would ensure him a
Pardon
Resolved that if Barent Dutcher will immediately sur-
render himself to this Board and will upon Oath discover
all Plotts or Conspiracies ag* the Liberties of America as
far as the same may have come to his [knowledge] this
Board do pledge themselves to him that he shall receive
a Pardon for all offences by him heretofore committed
against the State Provided that this Board may notwith-
standing if they conceive it necessary for the public
Safety confine him to his Farm upon such Penalties and
under such Restrictions and they shall think proper
Resolved, that Jasper Fulmore be appointed Second
pSed Lieu* in the Comp^ of Rangers to be raised by this Board.
Jasper
Fulmor
erd his
health
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 277
M"" Smith appeared ueu' of
Increase Jackson having been apprehended and brot the^comp«
before this Board upon Information that he was again Lcrers?'^
Restored to health, & contumatiously neglected to app'' Je^Xd
before this Board agreeable to the Tenor of the Bond ^ZetZ'
entered into by his Surety David Carpenter, and the said hej?
Increase Jackson declaring, that he still remained Indis-
posed, and that he had supposed that he was not Obliged
to appear unless notified. And David Carpenter also
appearing & declaring that he likewise had conciev[ed]
such to have been the Tenor of the Bond
Resolved, that the said Increase Jackson be permitted
to return home and Immediately upon the recovery of
his health. That he appear before this Board, or in De-
fault thereof the aforesaid Bond be Deemed Forfeited.
Samuel Smith, having Voluntarily taken the Oath of sam
Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged di^harg-a
Barent Dutcher appeared and was permitted to return Barent
home and remain on his Farm till the further Order of permitted
this Board &rema?™^
Board Adjourned frrmftm
further
Order
Tuesday May 6'^ 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith 1 -p rs
Peter Cantine Jun J ^
Cap* Hagaman produced his Acco* of the Guard at the £i..io..
Goal last amounting to £ 1 . . 10 . .— EamZ*
Ordered, that the same be paid Guard
William Drinkwater appear'd & having voluntarily
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Smith took
the Oath
W"- Dririk-
vvator took
the Oath
Ordered, that he be discharged. dircharged
Richard Welling, appeared, & refused to take the Oath Rich<»
Welling
appeared
of Allegiance
Henry Wooden made his appearance agreeable to his Henry
parol
Board Adjourned
Wooden
appeard
278
STATE OF NEW YORK
Wednesday May 7"^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq''
Melancton Smith Esq'"
Peter Cantine Esq""
£1..4.
p^for
Guard
[2]0/pd
Maxfield
[f]or
Service
[He]zekiah
Mills's
[D]epo-
sition
against
[B]enja
Soles
Serjeant Warner produced the report of a Guard of
Cap* Kelseys Comp^ Consisting of 8 Men, amount^ to
£ 1 . . 4 . . for last night's service
Orderered [sic] that the same be paid
Ordered, that John Maxfield be paid Twenty Shillings
for Secret Services.^®
Hezekiah Mills being duly Sworn, deposeth & saith,
That lately he assisted Serj*^ Nucomb of Cap* Sam^
Smith's Comp^ to drive some Cattle that had been
Destrained for Fines, that the same Evening the Dep*
saw Benj^ Soles who asked him if he had assisted in
driving the Cattle to which the Dep* replied that he had,
whereupon Soles said that he would take Notice of it, or
words to that Effect And the Dep* further saith, that
Soles appeard to be somewhat in Liquor.
Hezekiah Mills
Henry
Wooden
discharged
Doct:
Thorne ap-
prehended
&
permitted
to have the
Liberty of
M»- Everet's
House
[Be]nj^ Soles, being previously apprehended
Ordered that he be committed to Goal
Ordered, that Henry Wooden be discharged.
M'" Swartwout appeared & Informed that he had ap-
prehended, & bro* prisoner, Doct: Thomej agreeable to
an Order of this Board.
Ordered that Doct: Thome be permitted on his parol
to have the Liberty of M'" Everet's hous in this Town
Board adjourned
Thursday, May 8*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq'"
Peter Cantine Esq""
'"App. II, p. 455.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 279
Lieu^ Woolcut appeared & Informed the Board, that ja^ciapto
he had apprehended & bro* prisoner, James Kelly (alias toMs
Clap, a mulatto)
Ordered that the said James be confined to his
Farm
Ordered that the Sum of Two pounds four Shillings £2.. 4..
be paid to Lieu* Woolcut for himself & Two Men as a WMicut"
Guard in apprehend^ & brings Prisoner the above Ja^
Kelly
Board Adjourned
Friday, May 9'^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq""
Adjutant John Van Alstyne appeared & informed that Henry v:
he had apprehended & brought Prisoner, Henry Van prehended^'
Schaack & produced his Acco*^ for Services Done amount^ t^vA^"^
to£7..15..2 ^''*^"'
Ordered that the same Acco* be paid
Ordered that the sum of £ 1 . .4. . be paid Lieu* Mott, £i-..4..
for going Express to Col : Graham's Mott^"
Serjeant M° Clese appeard, & Informed the Board that jon^
he had apprehended & brought prisoners Jonathan jameToos-
Thorne James Goslin, & Michael Vincent vi'ncent'ap.
Ordered that they be committed to Goal /comnfit-
Board adjourned
Saturday May 10*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq''
Lieu* Elijah Oakley appeared & Informed that he had
by Order of Col: Luddington apprehened & brought to
this place as prisoners, the following persons, Viz*
ted
280
V Joseph Ogden
V Ebenezer Pettit
Moses Winter
Chrisf^ Winter
STATE OF NEW YORK
V Elijah Frost
David Garretson, &
Sam^ Rayner
£10. .16..
paid Lieu*-
Oakiey.
Elijah
Frost
Discharged
.lact)b Bush
Appre-
hended
Burton &
Schriver's
Oep: ag«*
Jacob Bush
and produced to the Board a Letter from Col: Ludding-
ton respecting the said persons.
[Moses Winter being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith]
Lieu^ Oakly prcduced his Acco* of his party in conduct^
the above prisoners from Fredericksburgh to this place
amounting to £ 10. .16. .
Ordered that the same be paid
Ordered that Elijah Frost be discharged
Ordered, that Joseph Ogden, Moses Winter Christo-
pher Winter & Ebenezer Petit be permitted on their
parol to the liberty of the Town.
Ordered, that David Garretson & Sam^ Rayner, be
committed to Goal.
Cap* Conklin appeared and informed that he had
apprehended & brought prisoner to this Board, Jacob
Bush.
Lieu^ Josiah Burton & Jacob Scriver being duly Sworn,
Deposeth & Saith, That going lately to the House of the
said Jacob Bush to destrain for a Fine, upon being asked
by Lieu* Burton, why he did not attend training, he said
that he never would, that he belonged to King George,
and that he did not mean to be subject to the Rebel
Laws any more, and that he would die before they should
take any of his Effects, or words to that Effect.
JosiAH Burton
Jacob Schryver
Jacob Bush
Coitunitted
Henry V :
Schaack
permitted
to return
home on
his parol,
to appear
in le Days
Ordered that Jacob Bush be Committed
Henry Van Schaack Esq'' now a prisoner in this place
having suggested to this Board, that he had lately dis-
posed of part of his Farm to Col: Humfrey & received
upwards of Eleven hundred pounds in payment for the
same, without having an Opportunity of executing a
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 281
Conveyance to him ; And also, that he had 2000 Bushels
of Wheat in Store, for the sale of which he had contracted
with the Commissary Gen'
Resolved, That Henry Van Schaack Esq' be permitted
on his parol to return to his farm at Kline Kill, & remain
there, and not depart from the same, in order to Execute
a Conveyance to Col : Humf rey, & compleat the delivery
of the said Wheat; and at the Expiration of Sixteen Days
from this date appear & surrender himself to this Board,
And in the mean Time, that he will not directly or in-
directly oppose the Measures, pursuing by the United
States of America
I so give my parol of Honor and do engage on the Faith
of a Gentleman to observe the above Resolution.
H V Schaack
Board adjourned.
Tuesday May 13 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith Esq'"
Peter Cantine Jun: Esq""
Lieu* Benanuel Duel appeared, & informed that he had Hend^
bro* prisoners, Hendrick Younkhanse, Coonradt Smith h^^Me^^
& Lewis Bryant, by order of Maj" Langdon, and produced sm^U
his Acco*" of the Expence of a Guard amount^ to B^^ant
£4. .16. .— 21
Ordered that the same be paid.
Ordered, that [Hendrick Younkhanse] Coonradt Smith
[& Lewis Bryant] be committed to the Custody of the
Guard.
Ordered, that Hendrick Younkhanse, & Lewis Bryant Hendrick
be permitted on parol, to the Liberty of the Town, & kTev.nT''^
not to depart till further Orders pe?m"tted
Garret Lyster appeared before the Board, & produced
a Letter from Col: Swartwout, also a pass from Gen*
M'^ Dougall.
^App. II, p. 455.
282 STATE OF NEW YORK
Garret Garret Lyster being duly sworn, Deposeth & Saith
SosiSon that Last Sundy four weeks ago, he was Informed by
Charles Davis & Lodowick Sheer that a party were to
set off that Evening to go to long Island, & invited this
Dep* to go with them, and informed him that they could
continue on Long Island at peace without being obliged
to fight. That this Dep* on the evening of said day ac-
cordingly met the said party in number, about Thirty
in a Wood near the House of Lawrence Losee, in Oswego,
among whom were Charles Davis Lodowick Sheer, Benj^
Deboise, John Griggs from Albany, David Shaance,
Nathan Hoag, & one Terwillager. That about 10 oClock
in the Evening they set off and proceeded across lotts
near Carman's Mills & entered the Highlands and passed
near the House of Zacharias Snyders, and lay by the next
Day in the Woods about 4 or 5 Miles beyond that. That
while they lay there, a woman came to them, which was
said to be Wife of one Taylor, who was a Guide to the
party. That the next evening about Daylightin, they
proceed on their Journey partly across Lotts & partly
in the Road until they came within about 4 or 5 miles of
Croten, where they were concealed in a Barn all the
next Day. That they left that place the next Evening
& proceeded to Croten's River, which they crossed in a
Scow about Two Miles above the Bridge. That a little
this side of Croten they met with another party Pilotted
by one Joseph Haight, among whom were Joshua Gidney
& Simeon Ostrum. That the two parties when joined,
amounted to 206 Men, as this Dep* was Informed. That
they went that Night about 12 Miles beyond Croten near
to one Haight's who this Dep* understood was the Father
of the said Joseph Haight, where they laid concealed in
the Woods all the next day, that from thence they pro-
ceeded the next Evening and stop'd no more till they
got to Kings Bridge, where they arrived about 12 or
one oClock the next Day, from thence they went on to
Hellgate, where they Crossed over to Long Island & were
Billeted out. That they were detain'd there several Days
& a Number of Recruiting officers came among them to
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 283
persuade them to Inlist. That a number of them not
being able to get passes, & being told by the Officers, that
they must inlist, did inlist accordingly. That this Dep^
after soliciting a pass for several Days, at length obtained
one to go to his Uncles Dan^ Lyster at the Bowry in New
Town, upon condition he should return again the next
Morning. That he returned accordingly and was de-
tained several Days longer, soliciting a pass to go to New
York, which, however he could not obtain, that at length
he left them without a pass, & went to New York; That
upon the advice of some of his Friends, he went before
the Mayor of the City & took the Oath of Allegiance to
the King of Great Britain That he tarried in New York
about Two hours, when he returned to his Uncles on
Long Island where he tarried two Days. That he to-
gether with Nathan Hoag then hired a Boat which set
them over to Hunts Point, from whence they proceeded
homewards until they were apprehended by two officers
& carried before Gen^ M° Dougall. This Dep* further
saith that he understood that Beverley Robinson Esq""
was raising a Reg^ that his Son Beverley was a Captain
in it, & also one Barclay. That it was reported They
had recruited about 200 Men in the Regiment including
the recruits they got out of the party that he went down
with. This Dep* further saith that he verily believes,
that had no Compultion been used not more than Ten
or a Dozen of the party with which he went down, would
have entered the Enemy's Service. This Dep* further
saith, that he was informed by some of the Inhabitants
of Long Island, that it was the Common practice with
the Enemy, to endeavour to compel such persons as came
down out of the Country to inlist into their Service. The
Dep* further saith that Nathan Hoag went with him to
New York & took the Oath of Allegiance to the King,
the Dep* further saith that a Number of the persons
who went down, declared their intentions to return home
when ever an opportunity offered.
Garret Luyster
284 STATE OF NEW YORK
The above Dep* further saith, that he was Informed
by good authority, that those persons who persuaded the
people to go off to the Enemy, received twenty ShilUngs
for each Man delivered there, whether they engaged in
the Service or not.
Gakret Luyster
John John Haight made his appearance, & Voluntarily took
ffthe the Oath of Allegiance to this State,
M^giLce Ordered that he be discharged.
discharged Cap^ ConkUng appeared & Informed that he had appre-
Travef heuded & brought prisoner, Charles Traver a person
to G^if^*^ notoriously disaffected & supposed to have been with the
Enemy.
Ordered, that he be committed to Goal.
\ldto~ Ordered, that the sum of £1..4.. — be paid to
swartwout B^i'^^^^'^us Swartwout Jun: for Expences in bringing to
this place M""^ Bell & M"^ Robinson, lately from New
York.
Garret Ordered that Garret Luyster be permitted to return
pfmTttId home in Rumbout Precinct, and that he send to this
& trsend'a Board a Certificate of his hireing a Man in his Stead to
Certificate ggj^^ -j^ ^^le Standing Forces, lately drafted out of the
Militia.
Charles Charlcs Travcr being bro* before the Board, confesses
lesslsh^"" that he went down to the Enemy the Day after they
with the came to the White Plains that he went with them from
Enemy theuce to Kingsbridgc & York Island, & continued with
them till a little before Christmas, when he left them &
returned home
Ellas Cap* Rufus Herrick appeared & Informed, that agree-
sifasDuff, able to an order of Col: David Sutherland, he had appre-
zebuhin^^' hended & brought prisoners the follow^ persons Viz*
Smith & ox
David
smith^ap- EHas WalbHdge Zebulun Smith &
Silas Duel David Smith
Joseph Clapp
and that Samuel Mabbit, Joseph Mabbit, & Tho^ Rabblee
were gone from home.
prehended
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 285
Ordered, that Cap^ Rufus Herrick, Lieu^ Samuel order to
Waters, & Lieu' Ichabod Holmes, be Impowered & rick, Li^t.
directed to proceed Immediately to the houses of Samuel iioimes
& Joseph Mabbit, and take an Inventory of the whole Tcfirect'eTi
of their personal Estate, and to remove such parts thereof MabSS
as they in their discretion shall think proper to some
place of security, provided that they leave for the use
of their Families, their wearing apparel & necessary
household furniture.
Resolved that this Board will defray all the Expence at-
tending the making such Inventory & securing the Goods
Cap* Rufus Herrick produced his Acco'^ of Expences for £ 15.5..-
a Guard in apprehending & conducting to this place 5 captHer-
prisoners, am*^ to £ 15. .5. . —
Ordered that the same be paid
Ordered, that Elias Walbridge be committed to Goal Eiias
& be closely confined commTttId
Ordered that John Budd (who was sent here by the john°Budd
Committee of Amenia Precinct) be discharged, on his ch^^ed
promise to Join Cap* Chamberlain's Comp* in Col:
Graham's Regiment
Ordered, that Silas Duel, Joseph Clapp, Zebulun Duel, ciapp
Smith, & David Smith, be permitted on parol to the on^/aTeH^'
Liberty of this Town
Board adjourned
ill Town
Wednesday May 14*'' 1777. Board met.
Present
Melancton Smith Esq'"
Peter Cantine Esq""
Daniel Ketchum appeared by order of Col : Field Dan'
Ordered, that he have the priviledge of the Town on his SS^"
Parol.
Cap* Mathew Van Benschoten appeared, and informed ^^,^''°^-
that he had apprehended & Brought prisoners, John 5^^!*^^^
Cook, Com^ Luyster, & Joseph Canniff. appre^
Ordered, that the above prisoners be permitted on peJltted
their parol to the priviledge of the Town ?"to^
286
STATE OF NEW YORK
£2. .4. .8
paid Cap
"Van
Benschoten
£2. .2..
paid Lieu*
Haight
Geo:
Mitchel
discharged
Jacobus
Philips
appre-
hended &
order'd to
Goal
Henry P
Lawsing
committed
to Goal
paid
12/9^
to Serjt
Shei-wood.
Zeb:
Shippey
discharged
13 Pris-
oners bro*
by Cap*
Colkins by
order Col :
Morehouse
Cap* Van Benschoten produced his Ace* for the Ex-
pence of the Guard, amount^ to £ 2. .4. .S.^^
Ordered that the same be paid.
Lieu* Stephen Haight appeared & produced his Acco*
of Subsistence for a Guard of 12 Men, amount^ to
£2..2..—
Ordered that the same be paid.
George Mitchell, a prisoner confined in Goal, appeared
before the Board, & having Voluntarily Inlisted into the
Continental Army for Three Years, was thereupon dis-
charged from his Confinement
On Monday last was apprehended & brought to this
place by order of Col: Brinkerhoff, Jacobus Philips
Ordered that he be confined in Goal
Henry P. Lawsing having made his Escape from his
Confinement, was again apprehended & brought before
this Board, by M"" Hull this day.
Ordered, that he be confined in Goal
Serjeant John Sherwood of the Guard attending the
Goal, for 6 Days, (of Cap* Smith Sutherlands Comp*
produced his Acco* amount^ to £ 0. . 12. .9I/2
Ordered that the same be paid.
Zebulun Shippey a prisoner confined in Goal appeared
before the Board, & having Voluntarily Inlisted into the
Continental Army, During the War, was thereupon dis-
charged from his Confinement.
Cap* William Calkins appeared and produced a Letter
from Col: Andrew Morehouse, informing that he had
sent under Guard, the follow^ prisoners
John Palmer Jun :
John Cummins Jun.
Ebenezer Hurd
Justus Gifford
Solomon Palmer
Jacob Sisco &
Edward Howard
Cap* Calkins also Informed that he had by order of
Col: Field brought prisoners
^App. II, p. 455.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 287
Seth Nickerson John White
Constant Nickerson Draper &
Caleb Spencer Joel, a Negro man
Cap* William Calkins, produced the following Pay £32..
Rolls for Services done by the Militia in Scouring the pd'o^p^
Woods & apprehending a Number of prisoners brought ^''^^'
here by him Viz*"
Cap* Calkins Pay Roll am*^ to. .. .£8. .11. .4
Cap* Joseph Dyckman's d° 7. . 8. . —
Lieu* Azor Bamum's d° 9 . . 11 . .31/2
Cap* David Hecock's D° 7. . 8. .—
ins
Amounting to £32 . . 18 . . 71/0
John
Hames's
Ordered that the same be paid
John Hames appeared & being duly sworn, Deposeth
& Saith that on yesterday the Wife of John Miller sent Bepo^tion
for him to her house, and informed him that a Man
whose Name she did not choose to mention, had just
left that place, who had come from the Enemy and that
the said person wanted to see the Dep* That he had
gone up to the Nine Partners in order to get a Number
of Men to go down to the Enemy. That he had been
up before and had engaged a Number, & expected to
be able to raise a Company of Sixty Men. That he ex-
pected they would the most of them have Arms. That
the said M*"^ Miller asked this Dep* if he could not en-
gage a Number of Men to join them at that place. That
she farther said they Expected to be strong Enough to
take any Guard they might meet, and that they intended
to destroy the Stores at Hendersons Mills. That the
Dep* understood from the said M''^ Miller & the Children
that the person above mentioned, wore a deep Blue Coat,
Red Jacket Buckskin Breeches, Cotton Stockings, that
he had long black hair cued up in a Black Ribbon.
John hames
288 STATE OF NEW YORK
And the Dep* farther saith, that M""^ Miller informed
him that the said person told her he expected to send a
party down on thursday next, and that he Expected to
be there himself on Saturday following, and that said
M''^ Miller further informed the Dep* that she received
Information from the above person that her husband
John Miller, would be home on Sunday or Monday Night
next.
John hames
£3.. IS.. Ordered that the sum of £3. .15. . — be paid to John
Hames°fo" Hames for Secret Services
se^lL Resolved that Joseph Bennet be permitted to return
Sfe^t home provided he appear before this Board & take the
to^Se Oath of Allegiance to this State
Board adjourned
& appear
again
Thursday May 15*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq'
Melancton Smith Esq'^
Peter Cantine Esq"^
Nathan Llcu* Comfort Shaw appeared and informed the Board
Reube^ that by Order of the Committee of Paulings Precinct, he
&Benj' had apprehended & conveyed to this place as Prisoners,
br'S'pds" Nathan Burdick, Reuben KisweU, and Benj^ Buffington
B^en"' Benjamin Buffington, being duly sworn, deposeth &
DeSuto. saith. That some time in the beginning of last Month
^un4 he was at the House of Reuben Kiswell, where he saw
others Qapt Vaun of New fairfield. That Vaun upon the Dep*^
entring into the house endevoured to conceal himself
That upon the Dep*^ engaging not to discover him, they
entered into Conversation together, in the course of
which, Vaun informed the Dep* that he had been on
Long Island, and that he intended to go there again.
That Joseph Sheldon was a Lieu^ & William Briggs a
Cap* & a Son of Major Ross a Lieu*^ in the Enemy's
Service That about Three days after, the Dep* went
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 289
down with Vaun, Burdick, Kiswell, Philip Sisco, Solomon
Pamerly Two of the Ellis's young Doct: Vaun, Amos
Burdick Jun. Benj*^ Cummins, a certain John Smith,
Elnathan Cornell One Simpson, Daniel Burdick one
Mosher who lives at Amos Wooden's Jun. & Nathan
Kiswell, to Salem, that the intention of the said several
persons was to go to the Enemy. And that the Dep*
was to go with them, & see them safe over the Enemy
Lines, and bring word back. And that when the party
came to Salem understanding that they were discovered
& it was not safe for them to proceed, dispersed them-
selves & returned home. The Dep* further saith, that
there are several persons in that part of the Country,
who were privy & knowing to the above party's going off.
Viz* Robert Burdick Sen'' Robert Kiswell Sen" Isaac
Wilcox Jun'' Levy West, Joseph Holly Jun. John Duncan,
One Lawrence (living at Benajah Miller's) Benoni Burch
John Russell Williams, Joshua Burdick Jun. Thomas
Cornell, Solomon Beach, & The Sons of Benjamin Duel.
That John Russell Williams Informed the Dep* that he
was going to Oswego in this County, & that there was
another party to go off from there, and that he had
lately come from the Enemy, & was Inlisted in Col:
Robinson's Regt. That Samuel Drinkwater informed
the Dep* that he was a Lieu* in Col: Brown's Brigade
and desired the Dep* to inlist with him. The Dep*
further saith that some time last week, Drinkwater in-
formed him, that he had been down to James Grant's
to get intelligence, who had informed him that there
would be a pilot up in about a week or ten Days, That
Drinkwater said that Grant always procured intelligence
for them, and that the Tories used to go to Grant's
house at Nights for that purpose. The Dep* farther
saith, that Stephen Howard, (a Son of Edward Howard
now confined in Goal) was the pilot to the above party,
and that when they went off they met at the Haystack of
one Briggs in the Meadow. That [Ro¥ Burdick Sen:]
the party met successively two Nights in order to go off,
and not being properly prepared with Arms the first
290 STATE OF NEW YORK
night, they deferred going till the next night. That the
first meeting was in Reuben Kiswell's Lott, when Joseph
Holly, Levy West, & the above Lawrence were present.
That the second meeting was at the Hay Stack above
mentioned, when Robert Burdick Sen. Solomon Beach,
& Thomas Cornwell were present. That West furnished
Sisco with a Gun & that all the rest of the party were
chiefly armed. That Wilcox came to Nathan Burdick's
the night of the first meeting, and said that he was not
yet ready to go, but would wait till the next meeting.
That John Duncan told the Dep* at Merrits that he pro-
posed to be at the first meeting, but did not come, &
upon being asked afterwards by the Dep* why he did
not attend, he replied that as he was at present employ'd
and received good Wages, he did not intend to go at the
present, but would wait till a future Draft of the Militia,
and then would go off That Burch upon asked by Dan'
Burdick to go Burch replied, that as he was in the family,
he would not go yet, but would rather wait a little longer
unless he was Drafted.
his
Benjamin X Buffington
mark
ja» Grant, Ordered, that Col : Morehouse cause to be apprehended
^nj^miis the following persons, Viz^ James Grant, William Ellis,
dSkjS!^' Benj* Ellis, Amos Burdick Jun'" Benjamin Cummins,
S^'S" John Smith, Elnathan Cornell [space left blank] Simp-
IkiSan son, Daniel Burdick, Nathan Kiswell, Rob* Burdick Sen""
siSJwn Robert Kiswell Sen'', Isaac Wilcox Jun"" Levy West,
&ick Joseph Holly Jun"" John Duncan [space left blank] Law-
BMdfe'k rence, Benoni Burch, Joshua Burdick Jun"" Thomas
otherato Cornell, Solomon Beach & the sons of Benj^ Duel to
hend^'*" be apprehended & sent immediately to this place,
sh^arap- Corp' Samuel Cole, appeared & informed that he had
ft'SmmS bro* prisoner, by order of Cap* Denniss, Lewis Shear, who
*^ had been sculking in the woods some time.
Ordered that he be committed to Goal.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES
291
£1..10..-
p<* to Corp'
Cole
Corp' Cole produced his Acco* for Expences amount^
to£1..10..—
Ordered that the same be paid.
Resolved,^^ That the following persons be sent up to
Esopus, to be confined on Board the Vessells Station'd EToV^to
there for that purpose, Viz*
Samuel Wood
Nathaniel Akerley
George Aims
Benjamin Burrows
William Yates
Elisha Powell
Edward Howard
[John Cummins]
John White
[Philip Sisco]
James GosUn
Jonathan Thorne
[Michael Vincent]
Griffin Corey
Simon Knoxon
[James Smith Esq'']
Silas Dewel
Com^ Luyster
David Garrison
Constant Nickerson
Robert M'^ Edew
Charles Traver
Jacob Bush
Thomas Lawrence
Anthony Breamer
John Medler
Dominicus Muntfort
Johannis Laroy
William Wilsey
Barent A Van kleek
Enoch I;ester
Jacob Backer
Francis Laroy
[Coonradt Smith]
Lewis Shear
[Stephen Thorne]
[John Cook]^^
Jabez Thorne
Nathaniel Worden
be confined
on Board
the Ships
And the Command^ Officer at Esopus, or other person
properly authorized to have the Charge & Custody of
prisoners to be confined on board the Vessels there, is
hereby required to receive & confine the said persons till
the further order of this Board, or the Executive author-
ity of this State
Ebenezer Pettit, having taken the Oath Voluntarily to Ebenezer
this State.
**In accordance with the resolution passed by the Provincial Con-
vention, May 2, 1777. Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 908.
" John Cook was permitted to appeal to the Council of Safety. Jour.
N. Y. Prov. Cong., I, 937.
Pettet took
the Oath &
discharged
292
STATE OF NEW YORK
Jos : Ogden
permitted
to return
home
Benj" Soles
discharged
10/p<»
Lieu*
Wilsej
Jo : Clap
& Smith
discharg'd
Jabez
Thorn's
Deposition
Ordered that he be discharged.
Joseph Ogden appeared, and is permitted to return
home to his place of abode, to consider about taking the
Oath of Allegiance.
Ordered That Benjamin Soles be discharged
Lieu* Wilsey appeared & informed that he had brought
prisoner, Ruliff Philips, & produced his Acco* amount^
to 10/
Ordered that he be paid
Ordered that Joseph Clapp & Zebulun Smith be dis-
charged.
Jabez Thorn being duly sworn Deposeth & saith. That
he hath heretofore had Conversation with Jacob Hogo-
boam & understood from him, that he intended to go
off to the Enemy that the Father & Brother of the said
Jacob were present & heard the above Conversation, that
the said Brother (John) also said that he intended to go
off, that the said Jacob also said, that James Simmons,
William Oldfield, also intended to go and that he the
said Jacob understood, that Jesse Oakley, Eliab Yeomans,
William Gifford, Peter Backus, & W^ Backus, John Wil-
kisson's Negro, & Nathan Hoag intended also to go off.
Jabez Thorn
Sam' Ray-
nor took
the Oath &
discharged
Caleb
Tripp's
Deposition
about
Clapp's
Pork found
concealed
under
ground
Samuel Rayner appeared & Voluntarily took the Oath
of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
M"" Caleb Tripp appeared before the Board and being
duly sworn deposeth & saith, That on yesterday he found
a quantity of about four Barrells & a half of Salted Pork
buried under Ground in a Wood near the house of Elias
Clapp in Beekman's Precinct in this County. That the
said Elias Clapp claims the quantity of abo* Two Barrels
& which Stephen Pratt the quantity of one Barrel, &
Jacob Pratt the quantity of another Barrel thereof That
the said Jacob Pratt at first disclaimed and afterwards
Claimed his proportion as above mentioned. That the
said several persons pretend that such concealment was
made at the Time the Enemy was at Peeks Kill, and that
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 293
in case the Enemy should penetrate into the Country,
they the said persons might have wherewith to subsist
their famiUes, and the Dep'' further saith that the said
three persons were generally reputed disaffected to the
American Cause.
Caleb Tripp
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Board, the said Resoi:
concealment was made with Evil & corrupt Intentions, pa^^'s'"^
that the said Pork should the Enemy penetrate into the a^ve^
Country either might be reserved for their use, or
that the said several Persons who concealed the same,
intended to submit without opposition & remain at home
with their families within the power of the Enemy, in-
stead of as was their Duty, using every means to oppose,
and in case of misfortune, to remove
Resolved, that the said Pork be disposed of to the
Commissary Gen^ for the use of the American Army, and
that the monies arising therefrom after Deducting the
Expences attend^ the Discovery be paid into and detained
by this Board, subject to the future order of the Legisla-
ture of this State.
Friday May W 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq*"
Melancton Smith Esq'
Peter Cantine Jun*" Esq'"
Resolved, that Philip Sisco be permitted to Inlist into pjjuip
the Continental Forces, & Inlisted with Lieu* Mott ^fj^jtted
accordingly *° "f"^'^'
James Smith Esq'' & John Cook are permitted to go j^s smith
home on their parol, to deliver themselves in five Days fXcook
from this Date, to the officer having the Charge & Cus- ^^^'"^"^
tody of the prisoners at Esopus Creek. ^°^^-
Resolved, that Josiah Disborow, & Edward Hender-
son be sent to Kingston to be delivered to John M° Kes-
son & Robert Benson Esq" Commissaries of Prisoners
of War in this State.
took the
Oath, is
discharged
294 STATE OF NEW YORK
coonradt Cooiiradt Smith appeard, & having Voluntarily taken
fhf^ath"" the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
*harS' Ordered that he be discharged.
Moses & Moses Winter & Christopher Winter, appeared & hav-
winter ing Voluntarlly taken the Oath of Allegiance to this
State
Ordered, that they be discharged.
Dan' ^ Resolved, that Daniel Ketchum be permitted on parol
permitted^ to retum to his place of abode in Fredericksburgh, & to
return in a appear again before this Board in a fortnight.
iTwL Lewis Bryan having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
to7oatt°& Allegiance to this State,
discharged Ordered that he be discharged.
Board Adjourned
Saturday May 17^^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq*"
Melancton Smith Esq'
Peter Cantine Jun*" Esq""
Cap* Isaac A Petition was presented to the Board in favour of
peSr'^ Cap*^ Isaac Hagaman, subscribed by, James Livingston,
toui^i^*^*^ Peter Tappen, Richard Lewis, Jonas Kelsey, Jacobus
Frear, Henry Hegeman, James Brooks, Robert Hoffman,
Abraham Sleght, William Forman Mynder Van den
Bogert, Hugh Van kleeck, John Frear, Elias Van Bun-
schoten, Johannis Swartwout Jacobus Stoutenburgh, Peter
Van kleek, Peter Low John Van kleeck, John Baily Jun'"
John Ringland, John Childs, Joel Duboiss, Matthew Van
Bunschoten, Abraham Hoogland, Elias Van Bunschoten,
Samuel Dodge Geleyn Ackerman, Francis Filkins,
Setting forth "that they have known Cap* Hagaman from
"the beginning of the Troubles, Do believe, that he was
"always in favour of the Cause of America, but that
"he has been deluded or else that he never would have
"been guilty of so great a Crime against his Country,
"That they do assure this Board, that they do all of
"them really believe, that if Cap* Hagaman will take
Board
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 295
"the Oath to the States of America, that he may safely
"be trusted to go and remain on his Farm, and should
"they find him doing any thing hereafter against his
"Country, they will endeavour to take him & bring him
"to be punished there for.
Whereas this Board has the highest Confidence in the
above Petitioners, they being all of them of Repute &
Integrity and approved Allachment to the American
Cause and from their Residence in the Neighbourhood
of said Isaac Hegeman may be presumed to [be] best
acquainted with Character & Conduct and that they
would not attempt to impose on this Board in a Matter
of such Importance as the Releasement of a Person
whose going at large might be inconsistent with the
Safety of State, and whereas this Board conceive it their
Duty not only to secure offenders that they may be bro't
to Punishment but also to pardon all such who convinced
of their Error are willing to return again to their Duty.
Resolved therefore that Cap^ Hegeman be dismissed
upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State and be
permitted to return home and remain on his Farm until
the further Order of this Board.
Cap'' Hegeman appearing & taking the Oath was dis- cap*
missed. SklsTh"
Board adjourned. Sistd
Sunday the 18* May 1777. Board met
Present
M'" Benson
M"" Cantine
Cap*
Cap* Comfort Luddington appeared and prayed that
his Father in Law Seth Nickerson now confined upon a appe1J?d*?n
special Charge of Disaffection might be permitted to re- usuthlr
turn home and pledged himself to this Board that the slthmck-
said Seth Nickerson should within one fortnight take ^'''°''
the Oath of Allegiance to this State and be of peaceable
Behavior in the mean time or at the Expiration thereof
should again appear before this Board, Whereupon
296
STATE OF NEW YORK
Seth
Nickerson
permitted
to return
home & to
appear in a
fortnight
unless he
takes the
Oath
Resolved that Seth Nickerson be permitted to return
home and to appear again before this Board within one
fortnight unless he shall take the Oath of Allegiance to
this State agreeable to the above Stipulation and that
of Col: Field or M'" Nathaniel Foster be authorized to
administer the same.
Board adjourned
Monday, May 19*'^ 1777. Board met
Present
M'^ Benson
M^ Cantine
JohnR
Schermer-
liorn bro*
PriBoner
£2..0..0
paid to
Cap* Will-
EliEha
CMlver, &
Oliver Aus-
tin bro*
prisoners
£3. .4..
paid to
Cap* Rous
Letter rec^
from Peter
R Livings-
ton, with
an Affidavit
of Jac« J
Decker
against
JohnR
Schemier-
hom
Rob'
Willson's
Deposition,
concerning
JohnR
Schermer-
hom. Si
about the
powder
taken from
the Mill
Cap* James Willson appeared before the Board and in-
formed that by Order of Major Landon he had appre-
hend and bro't to this place John R Schermerhoms.
Cap* Willson produced his Account of Services amount-
ing to £ 2.
Ordered that the same be paid.
Cap* Rous appeared and informed that by order of
Major Landon he had apprehended and bro't to this place
Elisha Culver and Oliver Astin.
Cap* Rous produced his Account for his Services
amounting to £ 3-4-0
Ordered that the same be paid.
A Letter was received from Peter R Livingston Esq""
inclosing an Affidavit of Jacobus J^ Decker charging the
said John R Schermerhoms with being concerned in tak-
ing the Powder from M*^ Livingston's Mill. (See Affidavit
filed J J D)
Robert Wilson being duly sworn deposeth & saith that
on the night the powder was stolen from M"" Livingstons
powder Mills the deponent was with John R Schermer-
hoorn, at the house in which they both dwell, and that
they were together till past 12 o'Clock at night that at
this time the said Jn° Schermerhoorn was so afflicted with
boils that he could scarcely walk or Ride, that it ap-
peared to the deponent that when he left the s^ Scher-
merhoorn he seemed preparing to go to bed as usual
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 297
that the next morning the Deponent rose about 6 or 7
o'clock and found the S^ Schermerhoom still at home,
that during the course of the night the deponent did
not hear any person, Horses, or carriages come to the
house, and thinks it probable that if any such had come
to the house he should discovered it
Robert Wilson
Joseph Bennit being duly sworn deposeth and saith Joseph
that Last Fall the deponent was apprehended as a per- dSho
son suspected of belonging to Millers Company raised
for the Service of the enemy for the southern part of
this state that he Effected his escape and went to the
Northward, that while he was there he lived with one
Samuel Anderson at Pownal that during the course of
the time he was with said Anderson (to witt) about the
Middle of last month, there came a party of about 30
men, that Anderson informed him the dep* that they
were Torys & that he was to conceal them in the woods
until an opportunity should offor to join the enemy to
the Southward, that among that party were Amos
Dunning, Johan^ Sicker (both living in Pownal), Johannis
Cryler & James Cryler (from Little Hosick kill), that
Anderson did accordingly conceal said party in the woods,
were they remained when the deponent left them parts
which was the 23*^ April Last, that the deponent also
understood from said Anderson that it was also their
design to break open the Continental Store at Benning-
ton and take out the Arms, that Joseph Jones of East,
& Samuel Jones of West Hosick were concerned with
the disaffected in those parts & harboured them, at
certain times, & that he understood the same with re-
spect to George Gardner David Gardner Joseph Gardner,
a certain clergyman of the name of Gardner, Caleb
Runnells, Coenradt Dayford Asa Laraby Eleazer Laraby
Ju'" Mosis Brunson, all of Pownal, & that the deponent
also understood that it was the design of some of the
Torys there to destroy Albany Gaol, the deponent further
298
STATE OF NEW YORK
Ja» Grant,
Robert
Burdick,
Joseph
Halliway
Jun"" Dan'
Burdick
Isaac
Willcox
Stephen
Lawrence
John
Duncan,
John Duel,
Benj'' Duel,
Jon^ Duel,
& Thos Con-
ner, bro*
prisoners
by order
Col : More-
house
£ 23..4..10
paid Cap*
Pearce for
the above
prisoners
£ 9.. 16.. 6
paid Lieu*
Comfort
Shaw
Isaac
Willcox
& Stephen
Lawrence
take the
Oath & are
discharged
Philip
Spencer
Joshua
Dakins, &
Elisha
Culver
Jun. Bro*
Prisoners
by order
Maj--
Landon
£7..13..6
paid to
Sergt Majr
Ingles
saith that there is a certain person at Williams Town of
Considerable property and influence, formerly a Colonel
whose name the deponent has forgot, who is highly dis-
affected and dangerous, that he saw said person writing
at a certain time and understood from him, that what he
was then writing was a letter or petition to the Torys at
White Creek to come down and destroy William Town,
because there was so many Whigs in it.
his
Joseph X Bennit
mark
Cap* William Pearce appeared before the Board and in-
formed that by order of Col° Morehouse he had appre-
hended and brought Prisoners to this place James Grant,
Robert Burdick, Joseph Halliway Ju"", Daniel Burdick,
Isaac Willcox, Stephen Lawrance, John Duncan, John
Duel, Benjamin Duel, Jonathan Duel, & Thomas Connor.
Cap* Pearce produced his account for Services & Ex-
pences of himself and Guard in the above Business
amounting to £ 23: 4: 10.
Ordered that the same be paid.
Leiu* Comfort Shaw produced his account for Services
in apprehending and Conveying to this place sundry
prisoners amounting to £9. .16. .6
Ordered that the same be paid
Isaac Wilcox & Stephen Lawrance appearing before
the board and having voluntarily taken the oath of
Allegiance
Ordered that they be discharged.
Serg* Major Ingles appeared and informed that by
order of Major Landon he had apprehended and bro't
to this place, Philip Spencer Joshua Dakins & Elisha
Culver Jun:
Also produced an Account of the Services of the Guard
upon this Occasion amounting to £ 7 : 13 : 6.
Ordered that the same be paid
Board Adjourned
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 299
Tuesday May 20, 1777 Board met
Present
Egb' Benson Esq'^
Peter Cantine
Philip Spencer Joshua Dakins and Elisha Colver & Phiup
Elisha Colver Jun'' appearing before the board & having joshuf
Respectively taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State mthT
Ordered that they be discharged mishl *
Cap* Michael Vinsent being Indisposed S^ok'thf "'
Ordered that he be permitted to return to his place wereL-
of abode and to appear again before this board as soon Jf/if^yij^.
as his present Indisposition will permit ^ndLposel
A Letter from Col° Sutherland informing that the Case js permit-
, , • (• • ted to re-
of David Smith had been misrepresented and sigmfying ^''™''g°^|'g
his approbation that the said David Smith should be soonasweii
discharged whereupon smith is
Resolved that the said David Smith be discharged on r^'Tf '
Board adjourned eriiLd^s*^*
Letter
Wednesday May 2P* 1777. Board met
Present
M-^ Benson
M-" Cantine
Cap* Brinckerhoff appeared and informed that by order ^iio'^^^r
of CoP Brinckerhoff he had apprehended and bro't to p^^i^^^^j^^
this place Thomas Carman Brinkerhofl
Also produced his account for the Services and ex- £i..4paid
pences of the Guard upon this Occasion amounting to BrLkerhoff
£1:4.
Ordered that it be paid
Roeliff J EUinge is permitted to go to his place of abode RoeM j
in the New Paltz to deliver himself in six days from this mitTed^r'^'
date to the officer having the charge and custody of h°6mys
the Prisoners confined on board the Vessels at Esopus hlmseifup
_ , ■'to the Capt
Creek. of the
John Cook appearing before this Board Esopus
Resolved that he be permitted to Return to his place JemiS
300
STATE OF NEW YORK
to return
& remain
on his
Farm till
further
order of
this Board
Edward
Wheeler
Jun. ap-
peared &
voluntarily
surrendered
himself &
took the
Oath was
permitted
to return
home
Jacob
Backer
took the
oath & was
discharged
Hendrick
Younk-
hance, per-
mitted to
go home, &
in 10 Days
to surren-
der himself
to Cap*
Oastle
of abode & to remain within the Umits of his farm
until the further order of this board.
Edward Wheeler Ju"" appearing before the board &
Voluntarily surrendered himself to thier determination
and having taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be permitted to return to his place of
abode.
Jacob Backer appeared before the Board, & having
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
was thereupon discharged.
Resolved that Hendrick Younkhance be permitted to
pass from this to his place of abode in the little Nine
Partners on his parol to surrender himself within Ten
Days from the Date hereof to Cap* Castles to be con-
fined on Board the Vessels in Esopus Creek, unless he
shall previously appear before Major Landon, or M""
James Winchell (either of whom are hereby authorized
to administer the same to him) and take the Oath of
Allegiance to this State.
Board adjourned
Thursday May 22'* 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq'"
John
Duncan is
permitted
to go home
on Parol,
& return
in 5 Days
Letter to
the Com :
of Albany
(Inclosing
a Dept of
Joseph
Bennet) to
have the
persons
therein
char<?ed,
appre-
hended &ca
£ 7..15..—
paid John
Haimee
£ 7..15..—
to Elijah
John Duncan is permitted to return home on his parol
to appear before this Board in five Days from this date.
Resolved, that a Letter be wrote to the Committee of
Albany, inclosing the Deposition of Joseph Bennet &
requesting them to have the persons therein Charged,
apprehended, & take other Measures in consequence
thereof as they may think Expedient, and that this Board
will defray the Expence thereof.
Resolved, that the sum of £ 7 . . 15 . . — be paid to John
Haimes, the Like sum to Elijah Frost, & the Sum of
£ 1 . . 10. . — to Joseph Bennet, for Secret Services.
Joseph Bennit being duly sworn Deposeth & saith that
some time about the middle of April last, he was at the
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 301
house of Sam^ Goodfellow at New Concord and in a Frost,*
Conversation which he then had with him Goodfellow fo Jos^■~
Informed the Dep* that he had concealed a Number of tTfeLt
Tories & supplied them with Provisions in his own house, JJ^^^
and that a Certain Person in that Neighbourhood, was g^'p^J^j^'f^^
privy to it. And that Goodfellow said that he had fre- ^^^f^^^^
quently been out with the Militia in pursuit of Tories,
but always took Care, not to bring them where he knew
the Tories were concealed That he understood from
Goodfellow, that the Tories which he had so concealed
intended to go off to the Enemy.
his
Joseph X Bennit
mark
Board adjourned
Friday May 23'' 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith Esq'
Peter Cantine Esq"
Lieu* James Grant is permitted to go home on Parol Ljeu^ja*
to appear before this Board in one week from this Date ^^"ecur
John Duncan appeared, and having Voluntarily taken llr^^^^""^
the Oath of Allegiance to this State. week
Ordered that he be discharged du ."an
Peter Messier appeared before this Board, & being duly oTth V
sworn, Deposeth & saith. That on Monday last being peSr^^^^
absent from home, upon his return, he was Informed Deposition
by his Wife, that during his Absence, Sam^ Hull, & l^^^'^fo?
Thomas Rouse, (two Continental Soldiers) together with ^i^&tfk.
Twenty Two Women came to the house of the De- b^ForJe''*
ponent's and enquired whether he had any Tea to sell,
that the Dep*'^ Wife answered they had, that they then
asked the Price, & were answered, four Dollars a Pound,
that they agreed to pay that price upon which M"
Messier took them to where the Tea was, upon which the
said Women said they would not give four Dollars a
Pound, but would have it at their own Price, & brought
302 STATE OF NEW YORK
a Hammer & Scales, & proceeded to weigh as much as
they chose to take, untill they had taken near One hun-
dred weight as this Dep^ beheves, for which they left
about Seventeen Pounds in Money, in the hands of
William Brewer. That M" Mesier requested they would
leave with her a List of the Names of the Persons who
had the Tea together with the Quantity each person had,
which they refused, alledging they had left Money, with
which she must be satisfied. That the widow Coffins the
wife of W™ Fowler (now with the Enemy) the wife of
Thomas Van Breamer, the wife of one Joseph Tiel, the
wife of Joseph Anderson (with the Enemy) the wife
of Samuel Field (with the Enemy) the wife of John
Bell, the wife of John Hughson, & the wife of one
M° Kenley who works in the Ship Yard, were of the
party above mentioned. The Dep* further saith, that
on Tuesday last, The said Rouse with a number of
Women to the amount of about fifteen, among whom
were the wife of Underhill Budd, the Wife of John Wil-
sey, the wife of James Lucky, the wife of Adolphus
Swartwout, the wife of Tunis Wilsey & the wife of Benj^
Van Cueren, came to the house of this Dep* & asked
to buy Tea, & the Dep* offered to sell it to them at four
Dollors a pound, & they offered him 10 shillings, upon
which he told them he could not take it, but that they
might have it at his price, upon which One of them de-
sired the Dep* to weigh her a half pound & she would
pay him Two Dollars for it, the Dep* accordingly de-
liverd her half pound, for which she offered him five
ShilP' which he refused to receive & retumd the money
back upon which an Elderly woman desired the Dep^ to
weigh her a half pound, & she would pay him, then the
Dep* desired her to give him the money & she should
have the Tea, which she refused, upon which the Dep*
offer'd to throw the Tea out of the Window, whereupon
the said Elderly Woman Siezed the Dep* by the hand,
upon which the said Rouse came in & Siezed the Dep*
by the Throat, & push'd him down, & offerd to strike
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 303
him on the head with his Broad Sword. And further
this Dep* saith, that on Thursday last the said Hull &
Rouse together with 12 or 14 other men and a number
of Women to the amount of about 20 several of whom
were of the party on Tuesday, & also the wife of Benj^
Jeecocks, the wife of Peter Funck, & the Daughter of
Cap* Jeecocks, again came to the house of this Dep*^ that
he, on seeing them coming went into his house & fastened
the Door. That they came to the window, where he con-
versed with them, that the men Demanded Entrance
& the Dep* Asked them their Business. They replied
that they had orders from the Committee to search his
house whereupon the Dep* replied, that if they would
produce any such Order, he would very freely open his
Doors & suffer them to search every part of his house
they then told him if he did not open the Door, they
would break it, upon which they broke a pannel of the
Door & entered the house, & searched every Room ; after
which they broke open the Cellar Door & searched that,
& Drew his Liquors & Drank of them, broke open every
Cask in the Cellar and the case of his Clock & took
away several trifles, & also broke a picture to the Value
of £ 5. . — After they had searched the house, they went
into the yard & beat this Dep*'^ Servants, threw Stones
at & otherwise greatly abused him the Dep* from thence
they proceed to the Barn, which they also searched, and
further this Dep* saith not.
Peter Mesier
Joseph Scott appeared before this Board, & informed j^^^p^
that in his Absence from home, a certain person by the fom^ that
name of Henry N Carman, had taken from him & still caii^dthl
detains a Horse called the Bald Eagle & produced a w^'^ta^"!!^
receipt from said Carman acknowledging the same was by™n5'™
taken for M"^ Rob* Boyd Superintendant of the Black- ca^,^&
smiths, & prays this Board will grant him redress in the re'dreJ*"^
premises.
Board Adjourned
304
STATE OF NEW YORK
Saturday May 24* 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith Esq*"
Peter Cantine Jun. Esq""
Tho"
Conner
Took the
Oathft
discharged
15/ paid to
the said
Conner
£3..—
pdThos
Bayeax
riding
Express to
Peek's Kill
John Cook
took the
Oath, & is
discharged
Joseph
Mabbitt
desires 10
Days to
consider of
his taking
the Oath is
permitted
to return
home for
that time
Ja" Max-
field took
the Oath &
discharged
John
Cummins
& Justus
Gifford
took the
Oath&
were dis-
charged
John
Palmer
took the
Oath&
discharged
Joseph
Halliway
DO
Palmer
.D»
[John I Schermerhorne being duly sworn Deposeth &
saith that]
Thomas Conner appeared, & having Voluntarily taken
the oath of Allegiance to this State,
Ordered that he be discharged
Ordered, that the sum of Fifteen Shillings be paid to
the above Thomas Conner as a gratuity.
Ordered, that the sum of Three Pounds, be paid to
Thomas Bayeax, for riding Express to Gen^ M° Dougal
at Peekskill.
John Cook appeared, and having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of AUegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Joseph Mabbit appeared, & desired Ten Days time to
Consider of Taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State,
and he is permitted to return home on his parol, to
appear before this Board again within that Time from
this Date
James Maxfield appeared before this Board, and having
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
John Cummins & Justus Gifford, both apeard before
this Board, & having Voluntarily taken the Oath of
Allegiance,
Ordered that they be discharged
John Palmer, appeared, and having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance
Ordered that he be discharged
Joseph HoUoway appeared & having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of Allegiance
Ordered that he be discharged
Solomon Palmer appeared & having Voluntarily taken
the Oath of AUegiance
Ordered that he be discharged
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 305
Caleb Spencer appeared & having Voluntarily taken caieb
the Oath of Allegiance ^To'"
Ordered, that he be discharged
Reuben Kiswell & Nathan Burdick appeared, & hav- Reuben
ing Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance nitThew*
Ordered that they be discharged ^"^''^^
Daniel Burdick & William Draper, appeared & Vol- Dan:
untarily took the Oath of Allegiance to this State, w-'^Drap*r
Ordered that they be discharged *o°ath &^
Stephen Hendrickson being duly sworn, Deposeth & Sfargfd'
Saith that about Eight Weeks ago being on his return ^^^^^^^^
from the Fish Kill to this place, he overtook in the Road ^°^y^P^-'
Henry Vandeburg Esq"" a little on this side his house against
about Eight o Clock in the Evening, that upon his Der Burgh
coming along side of him, he said to this Deponent
Abraham, the matter I was going to reveal to you, it
is not prudent for me to mention till I hear farther about
it (or words to that Effect) That thereupon after some
little hesitation this Dep* insisted repeatedly that he
ought to know the secret, and the said Vandeburgh as
often asserted it was not proper he should know it until
he had obtained farther Information That upon this
Abraham Fardon rode up & joined them whereupon the
said Vandeburgh appeard surprized and stop'd, and said
Abraham I thought I was talking to you [and] appeard
as tho he had taken this Dep* for Fardon. That the said
Deponent continued in Company with Fardon & said
Vandeburgh for about a quarter of a Mile during which
Time he frequently asked said Vandeburgh to tell him the
Secret, which he Declined. That Fardon then left them,
and this Dep* & said Vandeburgh continued in Company
till they came opposite the Gat[e] leading to Henry Liv-
ingston Esq"" That before they parted the said Vande-
burgh asked this Dep* his Name, which he told him,
whereupon he told this Dep* that the Secret which he
mentioned was nothing more than that a man had been
to press his Waggon, which he told him he could not
have, his son being out with it.
Stephen Hendrickson
306 STATE OF NEW YORK
Henry Van- Hciiry Vandebergh Esq'" being Apprehended & bro*
JfsJ';'^*' before this Board.
b^'Snfined Ordered that he be confined on his parol to the house
of M'" Everit till the further order of this Board.
Board adjourned
to the
house of
M' Everit
Monday May 26, 1777. Board met
Present
Peter Cantine Ju.
Jonas Jonas Canniff appearing produced two Certificates in
£^^^'* behalf of himself & Ralph Philps, signed by Col° D
tooSe Brinckerhoff, Certifying that the above said Canniff &
Auegfance PhlUps had Voluutarily appeared before him on the 22*
DBrfnker." Instaut & taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
dScedto"' agreeable to an ordinance of Convention
f&rtifi-"* Resolved that Jonas Canniff & Ralph Philps be dis-
cateof charged from farther attendance on this Board
the same '^
&
cbargid Tuesday May 27^^ 1777 Board met
Present
M'^ Benson
M"" Cantine
johannis I Johannis I Schermerhoom appearing before this board
hom'T**'^" and being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that the first
Deposition Knowledge he had of the Powder being stole from M""
Livingstons MiUs was Sunday following the day of the
battle at Jurry Wheelers, that he was then told thereof
by Johannis Nasman, the Depo^ further says that on
Monday following being concealed with a party of men
in the woods near Jacobus J Deckker, they were fur-
nished with some Powder & Ball by Benjamin Deckker
& Believes that Deckker mentioned it was powder that
had been stolen out of the mill & that John R Schermer-
hoom was concerned in the robbery. The deponent fur-
ther saith that he very well knows that he was in Com-
pany with Jacobus J Deckker, at the time & place
mentioned in said Deckkers Deposition but strenuously
Schermer-
per-
mitted to
return
home
Zebulun
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 307
denies that he told Deckker anything concerning the
powder, as he had not at [that] time heard that the
powder was stolen.
John Schermerhorn Jun^
John R Schermerhoom is permitted to return to his johnR
place of abode on his Parol, untill the further order of bom
this board
Zebulon Ross appearing before this board and having
Voluntarily taken the oath of Allegiance tteoiTh"*
Ordered that he be permitted to return home permitted
-r^ , , . to return
Board adjourned home
Wednesday, May 28^^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq''
John Deuel, Jonathan Deuel & Benj'^ Deuel Jun"" hav- John,
ing afl&rmed their Allegiance to this State &*Benj«"
Ordered that they be discharged. tookth"""
Lieu^ Fuller appearing before this Board, and Informed ar^e d'is-
that he had, by order of the Committee of Frederick's Ha"ka1iiah
burgh apprehended & brought to this place, Hackaliah Kner°*
Merrit HZ'ol''
Ordered, that the said Merrit be confined in Custody ^gh"*^'
of the Guard SJr*'
Lieu* Fuller produced his Acco* for the above Service ^""^'^^ _
amount^ to £ 2 . . 14 . . — p« ti Lieu*
Ordered that the same be paid
Board adjourned
Thursday May 29*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq'
Peter Cantine Esq'
Resolved that the Sum of Forty Pounds, be advanced l*^^"^j^^
to Stephen Hendrickson on acco* wn"*^'**"
308
STATE OF NEW YORK
Peter
Soefelt
took the
Oath & is
discharged
Benja
Decker's
Deposition
Edward
Howard
affirmed his
Allegiance
to this
State, is
discharged
Martinus
Cooper Ju'
Deposition
Peter Soefelt appear'd before this Board,^^ & having
voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Benjamin Decker appear'd before this Board, and being
duly Sworn, Deposeth and Saith, That he does not know
who were concerned in Robbing the powder Mills of M'
Livingston. That on Monday following the Battle at
Jerry Wheelers he happened to be in Company with
Martinus Cooper, and upon the Deponent's representing
to him that their Men (meaning those who were in the
Battle) were deficient of Powder, upon which said Cooper
desired him to acquaint them that he, said Cooper,
thought he could procure them three pounds.
Alexander Stewart was this day bro*" here prisoner by
order of Cap* Chas. Graham, who charges him with
Treasonable Expressions (see Cap* Graham's Letter C.G.)
Ordered that he be Confined in Goal.
Edward Howard (being one of the people Quakers)
appear'd before this Board, and having Voluntarily af-
firmed Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Martinus Cooper Jun"" being Duly sworn, Deposeth
& saith that he well remembers that on Monday after
the Battle at Jurry Wheelers, he told Benjamin Deckker
that he could supply their men with 3 lb powder, but
it was not of the powder taken out of the Mill, that when
he said this he aUuded to powder which his (the dep*)-
father had bo* from one Peter MuUer who formerly
worked in the Powder Mill, but as the alarm was first
raised on a report that the New England were coming
out to plunder, & that not proving to be the Case, he
never Collected the Powder from his father. Nor does
he know who has taken the powder out of the Mill or
whom to suspect. T\/r.„^.„ ^«^«„„
^ Martin cooper
Received a Letter by Leu* Isaac Finch from Enos
Thompson Chairman of Committee of Charlotte Precinct
** The order for Peter Soefelt's attendance before the board is printed
in App. I, p. 440.
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 309
informining [sic] that he had ordered to be apprehended
& sent to this Place David Springstien, charged with
being accessory to the Concealment of Certain Goods
of Sam^ Mabbet & that he Contumaciously refused to
discover the places where they were Concealed
Ordered that the said David Springstien be closely David
>-< y, 1 Springsteen
Confined. confined
Leiu* Finch Produced his account for expences & ser- £7.. 17.. 4
vices of himself & others for apprehending & bringing ^ij,*^'^"'
to this Place the above Prisoner amount^ to £7. .17. .4
Ordered that the same be paid.
Board adjourned.
May 31^* 1777. Board met
Present
M"* Benson
Thomas Flood one of the Persons included in the Tho» Flood
Resolution of Convention of the T^ March appearing and oTtV&ls
voluntarHy taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State ^'^"^^'^^
Ordered that he be discharged
Daniel Ketchum appearing and voluntarily taking the cani
Oath of Allegiance to this State took a"
Ordered that he be discharged. S^ch^rgld
Resolved that Cap* Isaac Hegeman be discharged from cap*
his Confinement on his Farm. toch^ged
The like Resolution with respect to Parent Dutcher. Ba^ent
Cap'' Roger Sutherland appeared and informed that ^"*^<"
by Order of the Committee of Charlotte Prec* he had £J^^*f
apprehended and bro't Prisoner to this Place Phineas appre-
Lounsbury suspected of passing Counterfeit Money. co'inlerfet
Col: Swartwout appeard
John Wood being duly sworn deposeth and saith that john
about the beginning of this Month or the last of April DepSion
he understood from Phineas Lounsbury he had an In- Ssbeny
clination to purchase a Mare of Samuel Haight and that
Haight had said he would take forty eight Pounds for
her, that Lounsbury told the Dep* he was fearful that
if Haight should discover he had an Inclination to have
310 STATE OF NEW YORK
the Mare he would raise the Price of Her and for that
reason requested the Dep* to make the Purchase for him,
that accordingly the Deponent purchased the said Mare
for Lounsbury at the Price of Fifty five pounds and the
Dep* further saith that Forty four pounds part of the
said Fifty five pounds which he so paid to Haight con-
sisted of Money apparently emitted by the State of
Massachusets Bay viz* Fourteen Bill of Forty eight
shillings lawful cash and which he received from Louns-
berry. That the Eleven Bills now delivered to Egb*
Benson were returned to the Dep* by Haight as Counter-
feit and as part of the Fourteen Bills above mentioned.
John Wood
iiioh' ^ Michael Palmer being duly sworn deposeth and saith
BwS^tfon that about three Weeks ago as he was riding in Company
D«
with Nathaniel Smith and entering into a Conversation
about Phineas Lounsberry Smith said that Lounsberry
had received from Thomas Tobias One hundred Pounds
Massachusets Money for Fourteen pounds payable in
good Money and speaking of Lounsbury's purchasing
Haight's Mare at so high a Price Smith observed that
as Lounsberry had got the Money so easy he could afford
to give an high price for Horses or Words to that effect.
MicAH Palmer
»atii' Nathaniel Smith being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith
D^Sition that some short Time before Loundsbury bought Haights
Mare, as the Dep* understood, he saw Tho^ Tobias at
Loundsbury's (where Joseph Tobias now with the Enemy
lived) That he the Dep* heard Tobias then say that as
he was coming over Kingsbridge lately in his way from
the Enemy, he was Matthew Partlow, who had Sixty
five pounds of the Sword in hand Money, which he offered
to sell to him Tobias for a Note for £ 15. . — payable in
good Money. That Tobias refused to give that, when
Partelow offer'd to make an abatement of Twenty
shillings which Tobias also declining, Partelow at last
desired him to take the Money into the Country with
D'
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 311
him, & make the best of it, but whether he, Tobias ac-
tually rec"^ it or not, the Dep* did not positively learn,
but thinks it rather probable from the whole of what
Tobias then said, that he did receive the money &
brought it into the Country. And the Dep* further saith,
that Loundsbury was not present at the Time of thir
Conversation, it passing only between Tobias Lounds-
bury's Wife & the Dep* And the Dep* further saith, that
the first Knowledge or Information he had of Lounds-
bury's having purchased Haight's Mare, was from
Palmer, & admits that in the Conversation between them
relative to that Matter, he did say, that he tho* it prob-
able from the great price, which Loundsbury had given,
the Money was not good. And the Dep* further saith
that he then related to Palmer, nearly to the same pur-
pose, to what he has now deposed, relative to Partelows
offering to give Tobias Money as above mentioned, and
Imagines that Palmer has a misapprehension of the
matter in supposing that he the Dep* should have said,
that Loundsbury had given Tobias a Note for the money
or that Tobias had actually given Loundsbury any of
the said Mony, for the Dep* does deny that he has any
knowledge of Tobias's actually paying any of the said
Money to Loundsbury, other than may be inferred from
the circumstances above mentioned. And the Dep*
further saith that he understood from Tobias at the Time
above mentioned, that the said money which Partelow
had, was money left upon Long Island, when the Enemy
took possession of it.
Nathaniel Smith
Phinehas Loundsbury being duly sworn, deposeth and phinehae
saith, that a few Days before he purchased the Mare of l°^^%
Haight he saw Thomas Tobias at his the Dep*'^ House, i^eposition
when Tobias Informed him, that he had Two Thirty
Dollar Bills & Twenty Bills Massachusets Money of
Forty Eight Shillings Lawful Money Each which he had
rec*^ from Matthew Partelow who was going into New
York. And that if he the Dep* would lay the said money
312
STATE OF NEW YORK
out, he the Dep* should have One half of what was
purchased therewith. And the Dep* further saith that he
understood from Tobias, that Partelow had given him the
said Money, for that as he was going among the Enemy,
it would be of no use to him and therefore requested
Tobias to lay it out for him and to allow him for it, what
ever he tho* proper and the Dep* further saith that
influenced by the hope of gain, he did accordingly receive
the said Two Thirty Dollar Bills & Twenty Forty Eight
Shilling Bills, of the said Tobias, and Expended them as
follows, Viz* — Nineteen of the Forty Eight Shilling Bills
to John Wood in payment for the Mare purchased by
him of Haight for the Dep* and in payment for a Mare
purchased by the Dep* of him the said Wood, and that
the remaining Forty Eight ShilF Bill, the Dep* paid away
to a pedler for Two Silk handkerch^ That the Two
Thirty Dollar Bills, he also paid to Wood in pajnuent of
Haight's & his own Mare. That one of the said Two thirty
Dollar Bills after passing through different hands, was
returned again to the Dep* and is by him now delivered
into this Board and the Dep* further saith, that he had
no suspicion or mistrust that the said Bills were Counter-
feit, but believed that the Money was given to Tobias
by Partelow just going into New York where it would
be of no Use to him, and that that was the reason why
Partelow parted with it upon such disadvantageous
Terms.
Phinehas Lounsbery
Lounsberry
Committed
£3. .17. .6
paid Cap*
Sutherland
Lounsberiy
& Zacheus
Newcomb
to appear
the next
Court.
Ordered that the above Phinehas Lounsberry be com-
mitted to the Goal of this place, till further order.
Ordered, that the sum of £3. .17. .6 be paid to Cap'
Roger Southerland, for the service & Expence of a Guard
in apprehending Phinehas Lounsberry.
Phinehas Lounsberry & Zaccheus Newcomb appearing
before this Board, and giving their parol that they would
appear before Melancton Smith Esq" Sheriff of this
County, and Enter into proper recognizance, the Said
Lounsberry as Principal £ 400, & the said Newcomb as
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 313
surety in £ 200 for the appearance of the said Lounsberry
before the next Court of Oyer & Terminer & General
Goal delivery which shall be held in & for this County.
Ordered, that the said Lounsberry be dismissed. Lounsberry
T, IT J dismissed
Board adjourned.
Monday June 2"^ 1777. Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
John Beardsley, is permitted to return to his place of jno
abode, & to remain there on Parol, to appear before this ^TpS
Board in five Days from this date. & permuted
Resolved, that this Board doth consent that there be ^meeting ot
a Meeting of the Vestry of Christs Church held at the '''''^^''^
HeY^ M" Beardsley on any Day during the course of
this week
Ebenezer Herd is permitted to go home on his parol Ebenezer
to appear again before this Board on Friday next. muted to
Lieu*' Elias Frear, appeared before the Board, & pro- Ippea^on
duced his acco* of a Guard & Expences in conducting £9^!o.".?*
sundry prisoners from this to Kingston, amount^ to LieS*Frear
£9..0..0
Ordered that the same be paid
Edward Short, appeared before this Board & having Edward
Deposed that he was not concerned in or knowing to any the^oath"
Plotts or Conspiracies against this State, & having also discharg'd
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this S[t]ate,
Ordered that he be discharged >
Oliver Austin appeared, before this Board, and is per- oiiver
mitted to return home, and appear before this Board pe^uted
again within Ten Days from this Date. for^io^DTys
Board adjourned
Thursday June 5*^ 1777 Board met
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Jacobus Swartwout Esq'
314
STATE OF NEW YORK
12/ p*
David
Mulford
Sam'
Peters, &
Caleb
Hustice
Ordered to
be released
from their
confinement
in Worces-
David
Storm's to
be released
from Con-
finement at
New Hamp-
shire
Christopher
Butcher
confined
Ordered, that the sum of 12/ be paid to David Mulford,
for Transporting Baggage of Cap* Cooper's Comp^ to
this place.
Resolved that Samuel Peters and Caleb Huestis now
confined in Worcester be released from their Confinement
and permitted to return into this State again provided
that previous to their Releasem* they give their Parol
to the Committee of that Town immediately upon their
Return to appear before this Board and take the Oath
of Allegiance to this
Resolved that David Storm's now confined in Goal in
New Hampshire be released from his Confinement and
that the General Court of that State be requested to
release him and deliver him to Benj^ Townsend who has
engaged to bring him before this Board.
Resolved that M"" James Grant be permitted to return
to his place of Abode in Pawling's Precinct on his former
Parol til the further order of this Board
Serg* Canfield appeared & informed the Board that
by order of Col: Sutherland he had apprehended & bro*
Prisoner, Christopher Dutcher.
Ordered that he be Confined
Board adjourned.
Saturday June 7*^ 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq"^
Col: Swartwout
Melancton Smith Esq""
Ja« Goslin
took the
Oath&
discharged
Ja»
Thompson
permitted
to return
home on h
being out
of order,
till he
reooveri.
James Goslin appear'd before the Board (he having
been confind on board the Vessels at Esopus) and Vol-
untarily took the Oath of AUegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
James Thompson, one of the persons Confined on
board the Vessels at Esopus for having been concerned
in the late conspiracy in the Manor of Livingston, &
since that ordered to work on Board the Montgomery
Frigate at this place, appearing before the Board and
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES 315
complaining that he was indisposed, pray'd that he
might be permitted to go home & remain there during
his present Indisposition, on his parol to appear again
upon the recovery of his health.
Ordered that he be permitted accordingly
Dominicus Montfort, Johanis Laroy, Francis Laroy & Montfort,
Barent A Van kleeck, (who were confin'd on board the Frands^'"^
Vessels at Esopus) appeared, and having Voluntarily
taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that they be discharged wredis-
Doct: Stephen Thorne appeared, and is permitted to JJjJIJf^'^
go at large, on his Parol to appear befor this Board again pg^'jj,'?^^gj
on Thursday next. tnuhurs-
Resolved that Henry Van Schaack Esq"" be dismissed day next
and permitted to return home on his parol, that he will scSiJ^"
within Twenty Days from this Date, remove into the forTmove
States of Connecticut or Massachuset's Bay and become England'
a Subject there, or Surrender himself to this Board, and ment™n 20
in the mean time, that he be permitted to go at large denve^ °
for the purpose of settling his affairs agafn to"^
The Rev'^ M"" Beardsley appeared, and refusing to take m^
the Oath of Allegiance to this State, feluses to
Laroy (
Barent A
Van kleek
took the
Ordered that he return home & remain on his farm
take the
Oath
permitted
until the further order of this Board, with permission to to remain
go and Visit the sick & Baptize Infants where requested
Constant Nickerson appearing before the Board and constant
beind Indisposed plrmTZ
Ordered that he be permitted to return home on his home"he
parole to appear again before this Board so soon as he ^""^^"^'^
shall be restored to health.
William Willse appeared, and having taken the Oath
of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered that he be discharged
John Wood appeared & Informed the Board, that by ^^^^j^^.^^
order of Cap* Southerland, he had apprehended &
brought prisoner Bejamin Jeecocks, who being one of the
People called Quakers has lately been to Long Island to
attend the yearly meeting at Flushing, and M*" Wood
bio* 1
oner
316 STATE OF NEW YORK
£i..4..— produced his acco* for his Expences in apprehending &
Wood*' bringing him amount^ to £ 1 . .4. . —
Ordered that the same be paid
Jacob Jacob Bush appeared, and Voluntarily took the Oath
Ksh?] of Allegiance to this State.
Sfe^"" Ordered that he be discharged
discha^rged^ Cap* Jonathan Weller appeared, & produced his acco*
paid Cap* amount^ to £ 8 . . 2 . . —
Weller
Ordered that the same be paid
Monday June 9'^ 1777. Board met
Present
M"^ Benson
CoP Swartwout
M' Smith
Jacob Cezalbregh & Johannis Seeger appearing and
taking the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that they be dismissed
Leiu* Comfort Shaw appeared and informed that he
had apprehended by order of the Committee of Paulings
Precinct the following Persons viz
Jeremiah Briggs Jun*^
Peleg Briggs
Timothy Akin
John Peasley
Isaac Peasely &
Nathaniel Howland Jim'
charged with notorious disaffection & suspected with
being Confederates in a Robbery lately committed upon
L' W" Shaw & Cap. W^ Pearce.
Order'd that the above Persons be committed to Goal
Benj« Benjamin Burroughs, appeared, and having Volun-
tak'eTthe^ tarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
discharged Ordered that he be discharged
Resolved, that the Committee of Orange County be
authorized to send such Prisoners as now are, or here-
COMMISSION FOR CONSPIRACIES
317
after shall be committed to the Goal at Goshen, accord-
ing to their discretion to be confined on board the Ves-
sells at Esopus Landing, there to remain during the
pleasure of the Legislature of this State, of this Board,
or of the said Committee or untill they shall be other-
ways delivered by Due course of Law, And the person
having the Charge & Custody of Prisoners on Board the
said Vessells, is hereby required to receive the said Per-
sons that shall be so sent, and confine them accordingly
Board adjourned
Tuesday June 10*'' 1777. Board met.
Present
Egbert Benson Esq""
Melancton Smith Esq"^
Baltus Van kleeck appeared, and produced his acco*^ of
Expences in keeping the Ulster Light Horse in May last,
amounting to £7. .6. .3. . —
Ordered that the same be paid
Abraham Van Cueren appeared & Informed that he
had apprehended & bro* prisoner by order of this Board,
Isaac Wood.
Ordered that he be confined in Goal
Melancton Smith Esq" produced his Acco* ag^*^ the
Committee for Conspiracies &ca amounting to £5.. — ,
also for a Musket £ 4 . . for the Service
Ordered that the same be paid
Simon Noxon appeard before the Board & having
Voluntarily taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State
Ordered that he be discharged
Resolved that Henry S. Peltz deliver to Simon Noxon,
all the Wheat & Flour & Flour Casks in his Possession &
lately Siezed by order of this Board, as belonging to the
said Simon Noxon.
Richard Snedeker, appeared, and having taken the
Oath of Allegiance to this State.
Ordered, that he be discharged
Benj^ Jeecocks informs, that Joshua Haight, Tripp
Mosier Zophar Green, Paul Upton, Jonathan Dean,
Resolution,
[a]utliorizs
[the] Com:
[of] Orange
[to] send
Prisoners
on Board
the ships
at]
£7. .6. .3
paid Baltua
Van kleek
Isaac Wood
appre-
hended
£9..—
paid M""
Melancton
Smith
Simon
Noxon took
the Oath &
discharged
Henrys
Peltz
to deliver
Wheat &
flour to
Simon
Noxon
Richd
Snedeker
took the
Oath&
discharged
318 STATE OF NEW YORK
Benj« Martha, the Widow of Aaron Vieil, and Martha, the Wife
iStted of Parsall Brown, all of the Nine Partners, Edward
homeZ Hallock, David Sands and John Dean, from Ulster
TppeL^^n County, Aaron Lancaster, Edward Shove, Daniel Havi-
S'^^y land & his Brother from Quaker Hill & the Oblong, Lott
Tripp & his Wife, from New Milford, Jacob Underhill
and his Wife, John Griffin Joseph Waters, John Griffin
his . of Amawalk, all of West Chester County, were down at
in orma ion ^^^ General Meeting at Flushing
Resolved, that Benj^ Jeecocks be permitted to return
home on his Parol to appear again before this Board on
Tuesday next.
Board adjourned till Monday next.
Monday June 16*^ 1777. Board met
Present
Melancton Smith Esq""
Peter Cantine Esq*"
Eiisha Elisha Powell, (one of the Persons confined on Board
Toorthe the Ships at Esopus) by this Board, having appeared
Aneg/Znce bef Ore M' Cantine one of the members of this Board and
Itate'be- taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State he was there-
clnMne, upou dlschargcd
discharged Lleu'^ Comf ort Shaw having appear'd before this Board
isaalr° ^^ Wednesday last, produced an Order from Nathan
Haviiand Pearce Chairman of Committee of Paulings Precinct for
appre- ^^
confin'ld apprehending Isaac Haviiand, son of Isaac Haviiand, &
in Goal Isaac, the son of Jacob Haviiand, whom he bro*" prisoners
to this place
Ordered that they be Committed to Goal.
Tho» A Petition being presented to this Board on Wednes-
pe™itted day last in behalf of Thomas Carman, signed by William
homVtiii Humfrey & Sixteen other persons praying that said Car-
orde^of " man might be permitted to return to his place of abode
in Rumbout Precinct, & to remain on his Farm till fur-
ther orders
Resolved, that he be permitted accordingly.
Board Adjourned
this Board
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